Flu Vaccine
Flu season is just around the corner, and now is the time to protect yourself and your family. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we’re making it easier than ever to stay healthy this year. Flu shots are now available for just $35 self-pay at our convenient locations in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Forney, TX.
About the Flu Vaccine, Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
Every year, the flu virus changes, which means the flu vaccine must be updated to target the specific strains predicted to be most common. Getting the flu shot at the start of the season provides essential protection, helping you avoid getting sick or reducing the severity of symptoms if you do catch a strain not included in the vaccine. More importantly, by getting vaccinated, you help stop the spread of the flu, protecting those around you who may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Flu shots are not just about protecting yourself—they’re about safeguarding your community. When you get vaccinated, you reduce the overall spread of the flu, which can be critical for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons. At iCare, we’re proud to offer this important service to help keep our communities healthy.
How Does the Flu Vaccine Work?
The flu vaccine works by introducing an inactivated or weakened version of the flu virus to your body. This small dose allows your immune system to develop the antibodies needed to fight off the flu if you’re exposed later in the season.
Once you’ve been vaccinated, your body takes about two weeks to build up enough antibodies to protect you from the virus. That’s why it’s important to get your flu shot early—waiting until flu season is in full swing could leave you vulnerable in the meantime.
While the vaccine is highly effective, it’s still possible to contract the flu. However, if you do, the vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you recover faster.
When to Get Vaccinated for The Flu
At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we recommend getting your flu shot in September or early October—well before the flu season peaks. Getting vaccinated early helps ensure that your body has enough time to build the necessary immunity. Keep in mind that flu season can sometimes start earlier than expected, and vaccine supplies may run low as demand increases, so don’t wait until it’s too late.
The flu vaccine is an annual necessity because the strains of the flu virus change each year. By updating the vaccine to match these evolving strains, researchers help protect you against the ones most likely to spread. This is why getting vaccinated each year is critical, even if you were vaccinated the previous flu season.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Flu shots are recommended for most people, but certain groups are at a higher risk of complications from the flu. It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are over the age of 50
- Work in healthcare or come into contact with high-risk individuals
- Have a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes)
- Care for or live with young children, especially those under 5 years old
If you fall into any of these categories, getting vaccinated early in the flu season is crucial. Protecting yourself helps reduce the risk of spreading the flu to those around you who may be at a higher risk for severe complications.
Note: Children under 6 months old should not receive the flu vaccine, and iCare currently does not administer flu shots to children under the age of 2. If you have a history of egg allergies, a severe reaction to the flu vaccine, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or are currently experiencing a moderate to severe illness, you should consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
What to Expect at iCare ER & Urgent Care
When you come in for your flu shot at iCare Urgent Care, you can expect a fast and simple process. We’re open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily, with walk-ins welcome, or you can make an appointment online for added convenience.
Upon arrival, our experienced medical team will ensure you’re ready to receive the vaccine by conducting a quick physical exam, checking your vital signs, and confirming that you’re in good health. Once cleared, a nurse will clean and sterilize the injection site before administering the flu shot, which is quick and relatively painless. The entire process is designed to be efficient and stress-free, so you can be in and out in no time. Afterward, we recommend waiting a few minutes to ensure you don’t experience any immediate reactions, which are rare but possible.
Flu Shots for Only $35 Self-Pay at iCare ER & Urgent Care
At iCare, we’re committed to providing high-quality healthcare that’s both accessible and affordable. This flu season, we’re offering flu shots for just $35 self-pay at our locations in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Forney. Walk-in’s welcome or make an appointment online; protecting yourself from the flu has never been easier.
Don’t wait for flu season to catch up to you—get ahead of it by visiting your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care location today. Let us help keep you and your family healthy all season long.
For more information or to check vaccine availability, call us or simply walk in to any of our locations. Stay protected and let iCare take care of your health this flu season!