Urgent Care Services
Flu Shots and Vaccines (2023)
In Benicia, Napa and Sonoma
Get Your Flu Shot in Napa, Sonoma or Benicia Clinics: No Appointment Necessary
At Urgent Care and TeleHealth, we offer a variety of preventive services to keep you and your loved ones healthy. We conveniently serve residents in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia as well as visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area and the Wine Country.
Patients can receive preventive care against the 2023 seasonal influenza virus. Flu vaccinations are available throughout the fall and winter. You can book an appointment online or by calling the clinic nearest you to learn more.
We accept most insurance plans and visits here are significantly less expensive than going to an emergency room. Plus, you’ll usually be seen much more quickly compared to an ER visit.
How We Help
- Need a flu shot now? We accept walk-ins!
- If you aren’t feeling well, get advice with an easy video visit. Then follow-up later at a clinic.
- We take most insurance plans including Medicare and Kaiser.
- No insurance? We offer cash-pay discounts.
- Use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
- We offer an easy online appointment system.
Urgent Care + TeleHealth is managed by emergency medicine physician Dr. Ian Ahwah who has 25 years of clinical experience treating patients at urgent care and in area emergency rooms. Our doctors, medical providers and support staff treat you with dignity and protect your privacy.
Urgent Care + TeleHealth in Sonoma, CA
Flu Shot FAQ
The flu is a serious disease and can spread quickly, can lead to hospitalization and in some cases, death.
At Urgent Care and TeleHealth, the medical team recommends annual flu vaccinations to minimize your risk of getting the flu. The vaccine allows your body to develop antibodies to protect you from the virus and its complications. A flu vaccination also helps reduce the spread of the virus among family members and the community.
A flu vaccination is especially important if you’re elderly, pregnant, or have existing medical conditions that compromise your immune system. Young children are also at increased risk for developing flu-related medical complications.
When do I need to get a flu shot?
In the United States, the annual flu season can start in early October and last throughout May. The doctors will consult with you to determine the best time for you to get a flu vaccination based on your medical history, your age, and other factors.
It takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your system. The team at Urgent Care and TeleHealth recommends you receive your vaccination as early as possible.
When if Flu Season?
According to the CDC, flu season in the United States is mostly in the fall and winter. Flu viruses are around all year, but they spread more from December to February. Every flu season is different, so the number of people who get sick, go to the hospital, or die from the flu changes every year.
The CDC keeps track of the flu all year and gives updates every week. They make a report called FluView each week and have a special tool called FluView Interactive for people who want to learn more about the flu data. They also update the Weekly U.S. Influenza Summary Update every week, all year.
What ages are eligible for a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are available in types and are approved for age groups;
Some flu shots are suitable for individuals aged six months and above, while a few are specifically designed for adults aged 65 and older.
If you are pregnant or have health issues, healthcare professionals recommend getting a flu shot. Additionally, there is a nasal spray flu vaccine for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. However, it is not suitable for individuals or those with medical conditions
Will I get the flu after a vaccination?
The flu vaccination doesn’t give you the flu. However, there is still a chance you will develop the flu after you receive a vaccination if you are infected before the antibodies can develop in your system. However, any symptoms you have should be milder and last for a shorter period.
Following a flu vaccination, you might have some side effects that might seem like you have flu symptoms. These side effects include:
- Soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle aches
If you take the nasal spray vaccination, you might also experience a headache, sore throat, and runny nose for a while.
Schedule a flu vaccination by calling the Urgent Care and TeleHealth office nearest you or book online.
How do I know which flu shot to get?
he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researches the most common strains of flu virus likely to be present during the upcoming flu season. Vaccines to protect against these specific strains are available at Urgent Care & TeleHealth.
You can receive a flu vaccination as an injection or a nasal spray, depending on your needs. The medical team can determine which vaccination method is right for you, or if you should not receive a vaccination due to underlying medical issues, including allergies.
Do You Take Insurance For Flu Vaccines?
Yes, Urgent Care + TeleHealth accepts insurance for flu vaccines. Please check with them to ensure your insurance is on their list of accepted providers.
Are walk-ins accepted or do I need an appointment?
Yes, Urgent Care + TeleHealth accepts walk-ins for flu vaccines. You don’t need an appointment; you can walk in during their regular business hours.
How Long Does Getting A Flu Vaccine At Urgent Care + TeleHealth Take?
Generally, it’s a quick process that usually takes less than 30 minutes, including paperwork and the waiting time after the vaccine.
Should I Get A Flu Vaccine At The Same Time As A COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Flu Vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine could be given simultaneously, on the same visit, as it is considered safe and more convenient for users. There has been no recommended waiting time between the two vaccines. Please check with us as we have a limited number of COVID-19 vaccines available.
References
REFERENCES
- What you need to know about influenza (flu) from CDC. (2023, September 7). Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
- It’s a Good Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine. (2023, September 14). U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/its-good-time-get-your-flu-vaccine#:~:text=A%20Flu%20Vaccine%20Is%20the,recommendations%2C%20visit%20this%20CDC%20page.
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