As the chill of flu season descends upon Austin, it’s natural to feel a little wary about staying healthy. We understand that your time is precious and your well-being paramount, so we've taken on the task of canvassing our city for the most convenient places where you can roll up your sleeve for a flu shot.

Consider this guide as your personal roadmap to navigating wellness in Austin – because let's face it, nothing says 'I care' quite like taking proactive steps to protect yourself and those dear to you from the seasonal sniffles.

So go ahead, take a peek at our carefully curated list and arm yourself against the flu!

Key Takeaways

  • • Flu shots are important for everyone over six months old to help prevent getting sick and spreading the flu virus.
  • • In Austin, you can get a flu shot at places like Martin's Wellness, CVS MinuteClinic on West Slaughter Lane, Tarrytown Pharmacy, and through the Austin-Travis County Influenza Surveillance program.
  • • Some locations offer free shots for kids without insurance or those with Medicaid. They also manage other health issues and give different vaccines.
  • • The vaccine keeps working for about a year but must be taken every season as the virus changes. It does not cause the flu.
  • • Knowing where to get your shot in Austin is easy; just check out these popular spots and stay healthy this season!

Understanding Flu (Influenza)

Flu is a scary word for many of us. It's a sickness that spreads fast and can make people feel very bad. This illness happens when flu viruses get into the body and cause trouble. Often, we see it come around during colder months, sort of like an uninvited guest that shows up every year.

We need to know what the flu feels like so we can fight it off. When someone gets the flu, they might have a high fever or feel really warm. They could also have a cough or sore throat, feel their muscles ache, and be super tired.

Sometimes they might throw up or have diarrhea too. And because kids and older folks can get really sick from the flu, doctors say everyone over six months old should get a shot to stay safe from this virus every year.

 

Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot is key to staying healthy. It helps keep us safe from severe flu problems. Every year, doctors make a new vaccine because the flu virus changes. This vaccine protects us against the most common types of viruses that season.

We all need to get vaccinated every year, even if we're feeling well. This stops the spread of the virus to others who might get very sick, like older people or babies. When we all get our shots, we help keep schools and workplaces open and lower hospital visits during flu season.

Vaccines are one of the best tools for keeping communities healthy!

 

Locations for Flu Shots in Austin

Martin's Wellness Flu Shots

We know how important it is to stay healthy during flu season, and getting vaccinated is a big part of that. That's why we offer Martin's Wellness Flu Shots. These shots help protect both kids and adults from the flu.

If you have children without insurance or they are covered by Medicaid, they can get their shots at Shots for Tots/Big Shots clinics. We charge $25 for grown-ups and $10 for kids, but if your child has Medicaid, the shot won't cost anything.

You need to make an appointment to get a flu shot at one of our two clinic locations in Austin. We make sure everyone gets the care they need without waiting too long. Our team wants communities to be healthier, so we work hard to give out these lifesaving shots against influenza viruses every year.

Lamar Plaza Drug Store

Dripping Springs Pharmacy

Other Services Offered at Our Pharmacy Locations

At these locations, you can expect to receive immunizations for the flu as well as chronic conditions management services. These services are crucial in preventing and managing flu-related symptoms and complications.

Immunizations

Getting a flu shot can help protect us from the flu and reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Flu vaccines are especially important for people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

It's crucial to understand that the flu shot does not cause the flu illness - this is a common misconception. Remembering to get vaccinated before the flu becomes widespread each season is key in staying healthy and preventing the spread of both influenza and COVID-19.

At these immunization locations, we can also find services such as chronic condition management in addition to receiving our flu shots. As someone who wants to stay healthy during Flu season has it even more essential now due to COVID-19 worldwide outbreaks makes getting a vaccine an essential step in protecting ourselves against respiratory illnesses like Influenza A(H3N2), B viruses, or other strains prevalent each year.

Chronic Conditions Management

When it comes to chronic conditions management, getting a flu shot is essential. Individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk for severe flu complications.

By receiving the flu vaccine annually, people with chronic conditions can reduce their chances of flu-related hospitalization and worsening of their underlying health problems. This preventive measure is especially crucial for those with weakened immune systems due to chronic diseases.

Moreover, managing chronic conditions in the presence of COVID-19 adds another layer of complexity. With the potential dual threat of influenza and COVID-19, individuals with chronic illnesses need to take extra precautions by getting vaccinated against both viruses.

 

Effectiveness, Protection and Covid-19 with Flu Vaccinations

What is the effectiveness of the flu vaccine? How long does the flu vaccine provide protection? What are the differences between flu and COVID-19? These common questions about flu vaccination will be addressed to help you make an informed decision about getting your flu shot.

Effectiveness of flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. Studies have shown that getting a flu shot can reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick with flu.

It's also important to note that even though the effectiveness of the vaccine may vary each year due to changes in circulating flu viruses, it still provides valuable protection for individuals, especially those at higher risk of severe complications from influenza.

The CDC states that during recent seasons when most circulating flu viruses were well-matched to circulating strains included in the flu vaccine, those who received a flu vaccine were about 40-60% less likely to need treatment for their illness by healthcare providers.

Protection duration of flu vaccine

The protection from a flu vaccine diminishes over time, usually within a year. That's why it's important to get vaccinated every flu season for continued immunity. Since the flu viruses change each year, getting vaccinated annually is necessary to ensure updated protection.

It's essential to remember that the CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older to maintain immunity against evolving flu viruses. Regular vaccination not only protects you but also prevents the spread of influenza in communities, making it an important public health measure.

Difference between flu and COVID-19

Flu and COVID-19 share similar symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle pain. However, COVID-19 might also cause changes in taste or smell. Both illnesses can lead to severe sickness and hospitalization affecting people differently.

It's important for us to be aware of these differences and seek medical attention promptly if we experience any of these symptoms.

The flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses while the COVID-19 vaccine targets the virus responsible for COVID-19. It's crucial that we get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19 to reduce the risk of contracting either illness which can lead to serious health problems or even death especially in individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

 

Conclusion

Get your flu shot now with Martin’s Wellness to prevent serious illness this season. You can also receive other services like immunizations and chronic conditions management at our Dripping Springs and Lamar Plaza locations. Remember that the flu shot needs to be taken annually as protection declines over time and viruses change constantly, making it crucial to stay updated with an annual vaccine.

 

FAQs

What is a flu shot and why do I need one?

A flu shot is an influenza vaccine that protects you from the flu. It helps prevent sickness during flu season.

Where can I get a flu shot with Martin's Wellness in Austin?

You can find the flu shot at one of our 2 pharmacy locations in Dripping Springs or off of South Lamar. If you have a group in need of Flu Shots, reach out to schedule a Flu Shot Clinic at your location, where we come to you!

Can anyone get a free or low-cost flu vaccination in Austin?

Yes, if you don't have much money or no insurance, there are clinics and events where you might get a free or cheap shot.

What should I expect after getting my flu vaccine in Austin?

You may feel soreness or tiredness where the shot was given, but this means it's working to keep you healthy.

Are there special vaccines for older people in Austin?

Yes, vaccines like Fluzone High-Dose are made for people over 65 to give them stronger protection against the flu.