On average, anywhere from 5 to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu every year. This debilitating virus often results in the need to call out sick from work, cancel holiday plans, and visit a physician or urgent care facility. Protect yourself by getting a flu shot. If you’re debating when to get your vaccine, here’s some helpful information to consider.

Understanding When to Get Your Flu Shot

When Do Doctors Recommend Getting One?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu virus starts to spread and increase in November. The vaccine can take upwards of two weeks before it’s fully absorbed in your system so that you’re officially protected from catching the virus. When patients contract the flu shortly after getting their flu shot, it’s because the virus was already present in their bodies and the inoculation did not have time to take effect. However, if you still haven’t been vaccinated, the CDC recommends the vaccine be offered throughout the entire flu season.

Once Inoculated, How Long Will Your Vaccination Last?

While certain vaccines can last a lifetime, the flu shot is unique. The flu virus is always mutating, so each year, the vaccine is altered in an effort to protect patients from the dominant strains most likely to spread. Physicians recommend a shot every year, even if you’re in great health. Getting this vaccination at a walk-in clinic or your local urgent care facility will protect you and help reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading at your office, school, or home. 

If you still need to get your flu shot for this flu season in Baldwin County, AL, Robertsdale Urgent Care provides health care services to patients of all ages. They pride themselves on giving individualized care in a comfortable environment, and they offer everything from yearly checkups to minor surgery in a walk-in clinic setting with emergency care services. For more information about how they can help you this flu season, call (251) 947-3591 or visit their practice online.