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near Silver Spring, MD

Flu Shot Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I get a flu shot in Silver Spring?

  The flu vaccine should generally be available at Silver Spring-area urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care doctor offices, and local pharmacies. While many times you can simply walk in to get a flu shot, it is best to book an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

• Where can I get a flu shot after hours in Silver Spring?

  Outside routine work hours, most Silver Spring primary care doctor offices are closed, however, most of the area’s urgent care and retail clinics are open after hours and on weekends. Book an after hours appointment today.

• How can I book a flu shot in Silver Spring?

  Same-day and next day appointments for flu shots are bookable directly through Solv. Simply search for a Silver Spring-area doctor, find a provider, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “flu shot” as your reason for visit.

• Is a flu shot necessary?

  Everyone 6 months or older should get vaccinated for the flu every year. Influenza, or the flu, is a serious virus and infection that hospitalizes and kills thousands of people annually. And it is constantly changing. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting the virus.

• Do I need to get a flu shot every year?

  Flu vaccines are needed annually, primarily for two reasons. First, the flu virus is constantly evolving, meaning the virus you received a vaccine for last year is unique from the virus in the upcoming season. As such, the vaccine itself needs to be different. Second, the vaccine itself wears off and your immune system’s response to the flu virus decreases over time. Unless you receive the vaccine every year, you will lack necessary immunity.

• When should I get a flu shot?

  Each year is a little different, but flu season generally starts as early as September. Getting a flu shot early in the season - August to October - gives your buddy the best opportunity to build up immunity to the virus as it does take roughly two weeks for the vaccine to protect you against infection. Of course, if you are unable to get the flu shot early, getting a flu shot later still helps as the virus could last through May.

• How effective is the flu shot?

  Each year, the CDC and other organizations conduct studies to determine the effectiveness of the flu vaccine against that years flu virus. According to the CDC, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60%. Of course, there are multiple types and strands of the flu virus including influenza B and influenza A(H1N1), as well as influenza A(H3N2). Generally speaking, flu shots tend to work better against influenza types A & B.

• How long does a flu shot last?

  The flu vaccine lasts for one flu season as the virus constantly evolves and each year the vaccine is produced to specifically protect against the strand(s) that are prevalent in the upcoming flu season.

• How much does a flu shot cost?

  Depending on where you get your flu vaccine, what type of vaccine you are getting, and whether or not you are insured, flu shot costs vary. Generally speaking, however, flu shots can cost between $0 and $50, sometimes more.