Getting sick during the winter months can make it difficult to enjoy your seasonal festivities. This is where the annual flu shot can help! With this year’s flu shot, you can strengthen your immune system to fight off the virus. But you may be wondering, “Can I get a flu shot while I’m sick?” Learn whether you can get a flu shot if you’re sick, where to get flu shots near you in Abilene and Brownwood, when the best time is to get your flu shot for the most effective protection and how Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care can help you stay well in 2026 and beyond.
Jump To:
| How Do Flu Shots Work? |
| Do Flu Shots Make You Sick? |
| When Is the Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot? |
| Keep the Season Bright With a Flu Shot in Abilene, TX |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
How Do Flu Shots Work?
To best understand the risks of getting a flu shot while you’re sick, first look at how the flu shot works. Each year, scientists observe what strains are projected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Inactive versions of these strains are used to formulate the annual vaccine. Since the active strains are different every year, make sure to get each year’s newly formulated vaccine to ensure that you are protected from the virus.
When you receive your flu shot in Abilene, TX, your immune system immediately targets these inactive flu particles. Lymphocytes, or specialized white blood cells, identify the foreign cells of the virus. Your lymphocytes begin forming antibodies that bind to the flu virus, alerting your immune system to its presence. Your white blood cells then attack the antibody-bound virus, absorb them and break down the flu particles. During this process, memory cells catalog the foreign cells to target and destroy this flu virus even faster if it enters your system again.
Since it can take a few days for your immune system to form antibodies, you may experience traditional flu symptoms during this time. These can include muscle aches, headaches, stomach upset and fever. However, these are typically much less severe and shorter-lived than the symptoms of active flu.
Does the Flu Shot Make You Sick?
Now, what happens if you haven’t yet gotten this season’s flu shot and you begin experiencing the telltale symptoms of the virus? First, visit a healthcare professional to confirm that you do indeed have a case of the flu. If you test positive, your provider will help you understand what steps to take for recovery.
Can you still get a flu shot while sick? In the case of a mild cold, you may still be eligible to receive your vaccine. But if you receive a flu diagnosis, you should wait until after a full recovery to get your flu shot. Your symptoms are a sign that your body is already fighting off the virus.
If you introduce the flu shot to your system during this process, your body may not effectively develop the antibodies you need to prevent another case of the flu. And, this may also slow down your recovery.
In addition to the flu, there are a few indicators that you should wait to schedule your flu vaccine. If you have a fever over 101 degrees, are experiencing severe symptoms or are currently positive for COVID-19, wait until you have recovered to get your flu shot at our urgent care clinic in Abilene or Brownwood, TX.
When Is the Best Time To Get Your Flu Shot?
The best time to get your flu shot is before the season begins, typically between September and October. This is especially important for high-risk groups, including those with pre-existing health conditions or immune deficiencies. Pregnant women, young children, nursing home residents and adults over the age of 65 should also make sure they are protected against the flu.
You can get your annual flu shot as late as the following May. But try to avoid waiting late into the season. The sooner you get your vaccine, the better your chances will be of preventing a case of the flu.
Keep the Season Bright With a Flu Shot in Abilene, TX
Don’t let the flu get you down. Whether you are ready to get your flu shot in Abilene, TX, or need treatment for the flu, our experts are ready to help. We offer two clinic locations in Abilene on Ambler Avenue and Buffalo Gap Road, as well as a third clinic location in Brownwood. You don’t need an appointment to visit our clinic. Just check in at the front desk and wait for a member of our staff to call you back. You can also check in online to make your visit even faster. Let us help protect you and your family from holiday illness, from flu to COVID-19 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a flu shot while I’m sick?
If you’re wondering, “Can I get a flu shot while I’m sick?” the answer is generally yes, as long as your illness is mild, like a minor cold. If you are moderately or severely ill, it’s generally better to wait until you recover before getting vaccinated.
Does the flu shot make you sick?
No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. Some people may have mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever or muscle aches, but these are not the same as having influenza.
How do flu shots work?
Flu shots help your immune system recognize and respond to influenza viruses. The vaccine trains your body to build protection, which can lower your risk of getting sick and reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
For most people, September and October are the best times to get vaccinated. In general, it’s best to get your flu shot before flu activity increases in your community.
Can urgent care help if I already have flu symptoms?
Yes. If you need urgent care for flu symptoms, Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care can evaluate your condition and help you understand your next steps for treatment and recovery.
Where can I find flu shots near me in Abilene or Brownwood?
Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care offers care in Abilene and Brownwood, making it a convenient option if you’re looking for flu shots near me in either community.
When should I wait to get a flu shot?
If you have more serious symptoms, a higher fever or you feel significantly unwell, it’s smart to talk with a medical provider about whether you should wait until recovery before vaccination.