If the calendar has already flipped a few pages and you’re wondering whether you “missed your chance” to get a flu shot, here’s the good news: it’s not too late. In fact, getting vaccinated now can still make a meaningful difference for you, your family, and your community.
Flu season doesn’t follow a strict schedule. While cases often begin to rise in the fall, flu activity commonly peaks between December and February — and sometimes even later. That means weeks or months of potential exposure may still be ahead. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control says flu levels are still high in Texas. Getting vaccinated now can help protect you for the remainder of the season.
Why the flu shot is still worth it
The flu vaccine works by helping your immune system recognize and fight the influenza virus. Even if you’ve already been exposed to one strain, the vaccine can protect you against others circulating this season. It typically takes about two weeks for your body to build full immunity, so the sooner you get the shot, the sooner you gain protection.
And protection matters. Influenza is not just a “bad cold.” It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease, hospitalization, and even death, especially in older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Even a “milder” flu is worth avoiding
Some people skip the flu shot because they believe they’re healthy enough to “fight it off.” While many healthy adults do recover, the flu can still knock you out for days or weeks, leading to missed work, disrupted routines, and lingering fatigue. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of illness even if you do get sick, which means fewer complications and a faster recovery.
Common flu symptoms include fever, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough and fatigue.
Protecting more than just yourself
Getting vaccinated isn’t only a personal decision; it’s also a community one. When more people are vaccinated, flu viruses have fewer opportunities to spread. This helps protect vulnerable individuals who may not mount a strong immune response to the vaccine or who cannot be vaccinated at all. Your flu shot helps create a safer environment for everyone around you.
Addressing common concerns
Some people worry that the flu shot can give them the flu. It cannot. Flu vaccines do not contain a live virus capable of causing infection. Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue are possible, but these are typically short-lived and far less severe than influenza itself.
Others think it’s unnecessary if they rarely get sick. Unfortunately, the flu doesn’t always follow past patterns, and immunity from previous seasons doesn’t reliably protect against new strains. Each year’s vaccine is updated to match circulating viruses as closely as possible.
A simple step with real impact
Getting a flu shot is quick, widely available, and one of the easiest ways to protect your health this season. Whether it’s available at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, workplace, or local clinic, taking this step now is still a smart choice.
If you’ve been on the fence or simply busy, consider this your reminder: it’s not too late. A few minutes today can help prevent days — or weeks — of illness later. Your future self will thank you.
Flu shots are available at the following locations:
ProCare Walk-in Clinic
8050 E Highway 191, Suite 104
(432) 362-2685
Monday - Saturday:
8:00am - 7:00pm
(Closed 1pm - 2pm)
Sunday: Closed
MCH Urgent Care - JBS Parkway
3001 JBS Parkway
(432) 640-6700
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday:
10:00am - 5:30pm
MCH Urgent Care - West University
6030 West University
(432) 640-6644
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday:
10:00am - 5:30pm
