Walk-In Flu Shot Vaccine | AFC Urgent Care Portland

Flu season is here, and getting your annual flu shot is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your community. At AFC Urgent Care, we make it easy with walk-in convenience – no appointment necessary to receive your vaccine. Prepare for the 2025-2026 flu season by visiting us today!

What is the Flu (Influenza)?

The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms usually last between 5 and 7 days, but you may feel tired for a few weeks. In extreme cases, it can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Why Get the Flu Shot Vaccine?

The flu shot is your #1 way to avoid the flu and provides numerous benefits for you and your community:

1. Avoid the Flu and Lower Infection Risk: The vaccine is updated each year to provide the most effective protection. Studies show it can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60 percent.
2. Lower Risk of Severe Symptoms, Complications, and Hospitalization: Getting the flu shot significantly reduces your chance of severe symptoms, complications, and flu-related hospitalization. Even if you contract the flu, you’ll likely have a milder case with a faster recovery.
3. Curb the Rampant Spread of Flu Viruses: The vaccine teaches your immune system to fight the virus, weakening its ability to spread. When more people get vaccinated, the risk of a flu outbreak decreases, protecting your family and community.
4. Protect People at Greater Risk: The flu can be especially dangerous for certain groups, who are more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications. Getting vaccinated helps protect these vulnerable individuals.

Key Flu Vaccine Information

• Flu Season Timeline: Typically runs from early October to late April, with major outbreaks from November to March.
• Effectiveness Timeline: The flu vaccine takes up to 2 weeks to fully equip your immune system with antibodies. Plan ahead and get your shot early!
• Yearly Vaccination is Necessary: The flu virus changes annually, and the vaccine's effectiveness lasts about 6 months, making yearly vaccination vital for protection against the season’s most active strains.
• Vaccine Options: We offer more than 9 types of flu vaccines, including alternatives for people with an egg allergy.

Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?

Everyone should get the flu shot if they are able, especially those at high risk for complications:

• Children under 5 years old (under 2 are at the highest risk)
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant people, up to 2 weeks postpartum
• Individuals with Asthma & COPD, Heart Disease, Diabetes, or Obesity
• Those with compromised or weakened immune systems (including former/current cancer patients & patients with HIV/AIDS)
• Caregivers constantly around high-risk individuals

Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine?

Most people should get a flu vaccine, but some should not:

• Infants under 6 months old
• People with life-threatening allergies to common vaccine ingredients
• Consult your doctor if you have Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) or severe allergic reactions to previous flu vaccines.
• If you feel sick, wait until you feel back to normal before getting your shot.

Possible Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

While the vaccine is safe and effective, mild side effects can occur, typically resolving within 24 hours. These side effects are NOT from a flu virus. Common side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, or pain on the injected arm
• Fever
• Body or muscle aches
• Upset stomach
• In rare cases of severe side effects, contact your primary doctor or AFC Urgent Care immediately.

Flu Shot Pricing & Insurance

Get a $0 flu shot with most insurance. We also offer low-cost options for cash-pay patients.

Preventive Habits in Addition to Vaccination

Combine your flu shot with these healthy habits for the best defense against the flu:

• Wash your hands before and after being in public.
• Avoid touching your face until you wash your hands.
• Wear a mask in public and high transmission areas.
• Avoid public areas if you’re sick from any illness.
• Frequently sanitize surfaces at work or home.

Rapid Flu Testing and Treatment

If you're feeling unwell and suspect you may have the flu, AFC Urgent Care can help. Our rapid flu test returns results in 15 minutes or less, allowing for quick and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our team can provide the treatment you need to get back to recovery, including prescriptions and recommendations.

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care for Your Flu Shot?

AFC Urgent Care is your convenient and caring partner for flu prevention.

• Walk-Ins Welcome: No appointment necessary for your flu shot.
• Convenient Hours: Our clinics are open Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Accessible Care: We have 8 clinics across Portland/Vancouver for faster, more affordable care.
• Mission of Care: Providing the best healthcare possible in a kind and caring environment, economically, and conveniently.