Flu Shot
Getting an annual flu shot is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. At Xpress Med Urgent Care in Springfield, Massachusetts, experienced urgent care physician Mansoor Zaidi, MD, and the team administer flu shots to people of all ages. Whether you want to vaccinate your child for the first time or it’s simply time for your yearly jab, the team can help. Call Xpress Med Urgent Care today to schedule a flu shot for yourself or your child, or book an appointment online.
Flu Shot Q&A
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Does getting a flu shot increase my risk of influenza?
No. You might experience mild side effects after getting a flu shot, but the seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t actually make you sick. When the shot enters your body, it teaches your immune system to identify the influenza virus, so it can better defend you should it encounter the pathogen in the future.
Is the flu the same thing as the common cold?
The common cold and influenza are viruses that present similar symptoms but aren’t the same thing.
Common colds and the flu cause sneezing, body aches, and general fatigue, but the flu is typically more serious. The flu also increases your risk of more severe health problems, including bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia.
How does the flu shot work?
A flu shot contains one (or more) influenza virus strains that scientists predict will be very common during the upcoming flu season. After you receive the flu shot, your body responds by making antibodies –– proteins that provide protection from the virus.
If you encounter the flu virus sometime in the future, your immune system knows how to defend itself. As a result, you’re less likely to experience severe outcomes.
Who can benefit from getting a flu shot?
The Xpress Med Urgent Care team recommends that everyone aged six months and older get an annual flu shot. That’s particularly true if you’re:
