Flu Vaccines in Montgomery County, Maryland & Surrounding Areas
We hear it every year as fall starts to roll around: “It’s time to get your flu shot!” “Stay healthy with the flu vaccine!” “Don’t forget to get vaccinated!”
But why is it so important to get the flu vaccine? What are the side effects? Where can you go to get your flu shot? We’ve got the answers to all of these questions and more in our new master guide to all things flu shot-related.
For any other questions or concerns you may have regarding the flu vaccine (either in the flu shot or flu mist form), you can contact Fast Track Urgent Care online now!
Do I Need to Get the Flu Vaccine?
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot this year, it’s time to visit Fast Track Urgent Care! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone six months of age and older get an annual flu vaccine as the best first defense against getting the seasonal flu.
Anyone can catch the flu, but those who are at higher risk include people who:
- Are pregnant
- Live with or care for infants six months old and younger
- Have a medical condition that increases chances of flu-related complications (chronic conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, and others)
- Have a job that involves emergency medical or healthcare services
The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes result in hospitalization or even death. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccination every year.
Who Should NOT Get the Flu Shot?
Although the flu vaccine is recommended for the majority of people, there are some who should not get the flu shot. You shouldn’t get the influenza vaccine if you:
- Have a fever
- Are allergic to chicken eggs
- Have had an allergic reaction to flu shots in the past
- Are younger than six months
If you want to know more about influenza or about flu protection in general, call Fast Track Urgent Care today at 800-417-1164 or contact us online now.
When Should I Get My Flu Shot?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), clinics like Fast Track Urgent Care should begin offering flu shots and flu mist 
soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating (so, throughout the fall and winter months), they suggest that we continue to offer the vaccination throughout the flu season, even through January or later.
Although we usually start seeing cases of the flu around Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Maryland as early as October, during most seasons, flu season peaks closer to January. Since it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect your body against the flu, we suggest getting the flu shot or flu mist as early as possible so you’ll be protected before the flu actually begins to spread throughout your community.
Frequently Asked Flu Vaccination Questions
Many pediatricians’ offices only offer flu shots on limited days of the week, at limited times. With Fast Track’s evening and weekend hours, your kids won’t have to miss school to get their flu shots. And you won’t have to miss work!
Common questions we hear about the flu vaccine include:
- How long does it take the vaccine to work? It takes about two weeks to build up immunity to the flu after you get vaccinated. That’s why you should get your flu shot as soon as possible.
- Does the flu shot give you the flu? The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. The influenza viruses contained in the vaccine are inactive and cannot cause infection.
- Why do some people feel ill after getting the flu shot? Some people do report having mild reactions to the flu vaccine. Some people may feel achy and have a low-grade fever, however, these reactions are short-lived (lasting one to two days) and are NOT the flu. Not everyone who gets the flu vaccine will experience these reactions.
The symptoms and possible effects of having the seasonal flu are far worse than the possible mild, short-lived side effects of the flu vaccine! Visit Fast Track Urgent Care today to get your annual flu shot and stay healthy this flu season.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Fast Track Urgent Care accepts many insurance plans. If you don’t see your insurance plan listed here, feel free to contact Fast Track Urgent Care online or call us at 800-417-1164 today with any questions.
Additional Ways to Avoid Getting the Flu
Besides getting the flu shot, what else can you do to protect yourself?
- Wash your hands often, especially during the winter (flu season).
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible. Viruses frequently enter your body through these areas.
- Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it often.
- Avoid contact with people who have the flu.
For more suggestions about how to avoid getting the flu, read this blog post about flu prevention tips!
Where Can I Get the Flu Shot or Flu Mist in the Montgomery County Area?
Ready to get the flu shot or flu mist without having to wait in a long line? Visit one of our Silver Spring, Maryland walk-in flu shot clinics today!
If you don’t see your insurance provider listed, feel free to call Fast Track Urgent Care today at 800-417-1164 or contact us online—we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can stop by either of our offices to get an inexpensive flu shot without making an appointment! You can find us at:
10540 Connecticut Ave
Kensington, MD 20895
-or-
13428 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Don’t wait until it’s too late—get your annual flu shot at Fast Track Urgent Care now to stay healthy this flu season.
