Staying healthy during flu season starts with taking proactive steps, and getting your flu shot is the most important one. At Hendrick Urgent Care, we provide flu shots in Brownwood and Abilene to help protect our communities and reduce the spread of seasonal influenza. Below are five key facts to know about flu shots, why they matter, and how they keep you healthy.
1. Flu Shots Are Updated Every Year
Did you know flu vaccines are reformulated annually? Scientists monitor global flu patterns and predict which strains are likely to circulate most widely in the upcoming flu season. Based on this research, flu shots are designed to offer maximum protection against the most prevalent strains.
Even if you were vaccinated last year, getting a flu shot every year is critical for maintaining your immunity. Over time, the protection from last year’s vaccine fades, and it may not align with this season’s flu variants. If you’re wondering where to get your flu shot in Abilene or Brownwood, stop by Hendrick Urgent Care for trusted, professional service.
2. Getting Vaccinated Early Offers the Best Protection
Timing is everything when it comes to building immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot in early fall, preferably by the end of October. This allows your body time to develop antibodies before flu season hits its peak.
Flu season can begin as early as October and last until May, so it’s typically better to vaccinate earlier rather than later. If you haven’t received your flu shot yet, there’s still time. Check-in at Hendrick Urgent Care for flu shots in Brownwood and Abilene to ensure you’re ready before flu activity increases in the community.
3. Flu Shots Help Reduce Severity and Complications
While flu shots don’t guarantee complete immunity, they offer significant benefits even if you contract the flu. Vaccination can make symptoms milder, shorten the duration of illness, and lower your risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions, or hospitalization.
This is especially important for those in higher-risk groups. When combined with strategies like flu and cold treatment and preventative actions, flu shots can be a powerful tool in fighting seasonal illnesses.
4. Flu Shots Are Safe and Effective
Flu vaccines are among the safest medical interventions available. They undergo rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure they’re appropriate for widespread use.
For most people, side effects from the flu shot are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever that lasts a day or two. Severe adverse reactions are extremely rare, making flu vaccines a reliable and essential part of flu prevention.
At Hendrick Urgent Care, our team is here to answer questions and make your vaccination experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
5. Everyone 6 Months and Older Should Get Vaccinated
The CDC recommends flu shots for nearly everyone aged 6 months and older. This is especially true for people at higher risk of severe flu outcomes, including the following groups:
- Older adults
- Young children
- Pregnant individuals
- Those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
By getting your flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to safeguard vulnerable members of your community. Vaccination is an essential step in reducing the overall spread of the virus.
Additional Tips to Stay Healthy
While getting your flu shot is the most effective form of prevention, incorporating simple habits into your daily routine can further reduce your risk of infection. Here are some tips to avoid the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like phones and door handles.
- Stay home if you’re feeling under the weather to prevent spreading illness.
Stay Ahead of the Flu — Get Vaccinated Today
Don’t wait for flu season to catch up with you. Hendrick Urgent Care makes it simple to protect yourself and your family with flu shots in Brownwood and Abilene. Whether you’re looking for reliable flu and cold treatment, expert advice on flu prevention, or a convenient location to get your flu shot, we’re here to help.
Visit us today to secure your flu shot and take the first step toward a healthier season. Walk-ins are welcome, or check-in to save your place in line. Together, we can build a healthier community!