Flu Vaccinations
Protect Yourself Before Flu Season Peaks
Family First Urgent Care offers flu vaccinations for adults and children using this year's recommended vaccine formulation.
When flu season arrives, you need protection before exposure becomes widespread in your workplace, school, or household. Family First Urgent Care administers seasonal influenza vaccines formulated to match the strains expected to circulate during the current flu season, giving your immune system time to build antibodies before peak transmission begins. We vaccinate adults, children over six months old, and individuals with chronic health conditions who face higher risks from flu complications.
The vaccine is delivered as an intramuscular injection in your upper arm and contains inactivated virus particles that cannot cause the flu. Your immune system responds by producing antibodies, which typically reach protective levels within two weeks. The vaccine does not prevent every case of influenza, but it reduces your likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications such as pneumonia or worsening of asthma and heart disease.
If you need a flu vaccination before travel, school enrollment, or the start of flu season, contact Family First Urgent Care to confirm vaccine availability and schedule a time that works for your family.
How the vaccine works and who should receive it
You receive a single injection in the deltoid muscle of your upper arm, and the appointment takes less than ten minutes from check-in to completion. Our staff reviews your health history to confirm you do not have severe allergies to vaccine components such as egg proteins or gelatin, and we observe you for fifteen minutes afterward to monitor for rare allergic reactions. You leave with a vaccination record card showing the date, vaccine manufacturer, and lot number.
After vaccination, your immune system begins producing antibodies against the virus strains included in this year's formulation. You may notice mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue for one to two days as your body responds to the vaccine. These symptoms are not the flu and resolve without treatment.
Family First Urgent Care recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone over six months old, especially pregnant women, adults over sixty-five, and individuals with diabetes, lung disease, or weakened immune systems. We do not vaccinate individuals currently experiencing moderate to severe illness or those with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine. If you are unsure whether you should receive the vaccine, our providers can review your medical history and help you make an informed decision.
Answers to help you decide about vaccination
Many people want to know when to get vaccinated, what side effects to expect, and whether the vaccine is safe for children or pregnant women before scheduling an appointment.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?
You should get vaccinated before flu activity peaks in your area, typically between October and December. The vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection, so getting it early in the season gives your immune system time to respond.
What side effects can I expect after the flu shot?
Most people experience mild soreness at the injection site, and some develop a low-grade fever, headache, or fatigue for one to two days. These symptoms are signs your immune system is responding to the vaccine, not the flu itself.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the vaccine contains inactivated virus particles that cannot replicate or cause infection. If you develop flu symptoms shortly after vaccination, you were likely exposed to the virus before your immune system had time to respond.
Is the flu vaccine safe for pregnant women?
Yes, the inactivated flu vaccine is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy because flu complications pose serious risks to both mother and baby. Vaccination also passes protective antibodies to the newborn, providing protection during the first months of life.
How long does flu vaccine protection last?
Protection begins about two weeks after vaccination and lasts throughout the flu season, typically five to six months. Because flu viruses change each year, you need a new vaccine annually to stay protected against circulating strains.
Family First Urgent Care keeps flu vaccine in stock throughout the season and can vaccinate multiple family members during a single visit. If you want to reduce your risk of flu complications this year, learn more about scheduling a vaccination by reaching out today.