Flu Shots in Monroe, CT

While COVID-19 has dominated the airwaves in the winter months, the flu is still a big problem. As such, it is important to get safe, affordable flu shots for your family. That’s where we come in. At DOCS Urgent Care of Monroe, we offer flu shots throughout the fall and winter. It’s never too late to get one!

We have board-certified physicians who lead our staff to provide the best of care. We want to be a cost-effective option that keeps you from getting a costly hospital bill. We accept the majority of health insurance plans.

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE

DOCS URGENT CARE – SERVING MONROE

ADDRESS
427 Main St.
Monroe, CT 06468

PHONE
(203) 874-3682

HOURS
WEEKDAYS : 8AM-6PM
SATURDAY – SUNDAY: CLOSED

What to Know About Flu Vaccinations

WHY VACCINATE AGAINST THE FLU?

The flu hospitalizes more than 70,000 people each year and kills roughly 60,000 in that time frame. The virus is so deadly because it is a respiratory infection. It is also highly spreadable, infecting millions of people each year. There are various flu strains available year-round, but typically during the colder months. The peak season lasts from October until May.

Influenza, also known as the common flu, can be prevented through the flu shot. The flu shot is not a cure but a protective measure to reduce symptoms and prevent hospitalization, similar to other vaccines. Flu shots are offered yearly and are imperative to keeping yourself safe.

WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED?

It’s a yearly disease, and those vulnerable to it should take as many preventative measures towards it as possible. There are high-risk individuals, including babies, that need to take the shot – children as young as six months old are able to receive the shot. For over 50 years, the CDC has recommended these yearly vaccinations as the best way to prevent or catch the flu. Some people have a higher risk of catching the flu than others, and extensive research supports everyone getting the flu shot to protect such individuals.

Higher Risk Individuals Include:

  • Children 5 years and younger
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women or women up to 2 weeks postpartum
  • Individuals living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

HOW DOES THE FLU VACCINE WORK?

Roughly two weeks after receiving the vaccine, you will be able to develop antibodies in your system. Traditional flu vaccines typically protect against three types of flu strains: H1N1 (influenza A virus, the cause of the swine flu epidemic), H3N2 (Influenza A virus), and influenza B virus. A flu vaccination injects an inactivated strain of the virus.

A quadrivalent vaccination is also available at our location in Monroe, CT, protecting against an additional influenza B virus. A recombinant influenza vaccine has been developed for those allergic to eggs and is the only flu vaccine that is 100% egg free. There is also a nasal spray flu vaccination, which contains attenuated (weakened but alive) strains of the virus. Check with your doctor about any preliminary conditions that could prevent you from taking this form of flu vaccine.

Your number one defense against the flu is these vaccinations. Please come to our office when you are healthy and able to readily receive the vaccine – it is about prevention of the disease, not stopping the disease while you have it. We can prescribe antiviral pills such as Tamiflu if necessary, but these vaccinations are a preventative measure. Check with your primary care physician at DOCS Urgent Care of Monroe to figure out which flu vaccination is right for you.

Care When You Need It in Monroe

DOCS Urgent Care of Monroe is run by physicians who care about their patients. We are a professional network of Urgent Care clinics across the state of Connecticut, providing affordable and high-quality care to those who need it. If you need to schedule your flu shot, reach out to us today.

Notice

During this surge in COVID-19 cases, our primary focus is meeting the high demand for tests, and we are seeing higher than usual wait times. This means we are unable to answer most phone calls. Please know that our teams are working very hard during this time to care for as many patients as safely as possible. Please click the button below for answers to common questions. We appreciate your understanding.