Each year, millions of people in the U.S. get sick with the flu—and while some may recover quickly, the virus can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine is your best protection against seasonal influenza and helps protect everyone around you too.

At Family Medical Centers, we make it easy and convenient to get your flu shot, so you can stay healthy and enjoy the season worry-free.

What Is the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of influenza viruses expected to circulate each year. Because flu viruses change over time, the vaccine is updated annually—and it’s important to get vaccinated each flu season.

There are several types of flu vaccines available, including:

• Standard-dose flu shots
• High-dose vaccines (for adults 65 and older)
• Nasal spray vaccines (for eligible children and non-pregnant adults)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year¹.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions².

Those at higher risk for complications include:

• Children under 5, especially those under 2 years
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, neurologic or neurodevelopment conditions, blood disorders such as sickle cell, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, younger than 19 years on long-term aspirin, history of stroke, certain disabilities, and weakened immune systems

Best time to get vaccinated:

Get your flu shot by the end of October, before flu activity peaks. However, vaccination later in the season can still offer protection—it's never too late!

Why the Flu Shot Matters

Even healthy people can get the flu—and spread it to others who are more vulnerable. The flu vaccine helps:

• Prevent illness and reduce symptoms if you do get sick
• Lower the risk of flu-related complications, like pneumonia or hospitalization
• Reduce missed school or workdays
• Protect infants, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals through community immunity

Fun fact: Studies show the flu vaccine can reduce a child's risk of death from influenza by up to 65%³.

What to Expect After Your Shot

Flu shots are safe and have been used for decades. You may experience mild side effects, such as:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever or fatigue
• Mild muscle aches

These are signs your body is building protection. Serious side effects are very rare.

Schedule Your Flu Shot Today

Getting your flu vaccine is quick, easy, and can make a big difference in your health and your community. Same day appointments are available — come in today to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season.

Call your provider today to schedule your flu shot today!

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Benefits of Flu Vaccination. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm 
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Flu vaccine effectiveness for children and older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/flu-vaccines-work/risk-groups/index.html 
4. CDC. (2024). People at increased risk for flu complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm