Flu Shots

Influenza, otherwise known as the flu is a serious infection that affects millions every year, with some cases requiring medical care and others becoming fatal.

The flu season usually starts around the beginning of the calendar year and can last up until May.  The best time of year to get your flu shot is around October, right before the strands of influenza go around.

Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to protect you from getting infection.  At Instant Urgent Care, we administer annual flu shots as well as treat common flu-like symptoms such as:

  • Chills
  • Dehydration
  • Dry Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Flushing
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Sweating
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore Throat
  • Sore Muscles

For more information about our flu shots or treatment, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 408-687-4806.

Learn more about flu season and flu shots

When does flu season begin? 

Flu season is likely to begin in October, but has recently spread to local communities throughout Santa Clara country as early as September. 

Each flu season is different than the previous, which means that any given flu season can start a bit earlier or later than in previous years. Organizations including the CDC and local health organizations can help provide updates on if a flu season could start sooner or later than expected. 

Additionally, speak with your local healthcare provider to see if you should start thinking about an early flu shot this year. 

When does flu season peak? 

Flu season usually peaks between December and February, based on recent CDC estimates. The winter season is more likely to experience higher flu activity as more and more individuals stay indoors in public spaces. 

Influenza viruses spread more rapidly in the fall and winter as a greater number of people spend more time indoors. Colder temperatures allow the flu to survive a bit longer than normal, but the spread of flu activity is from more and more people being in close proximity. 

The peak of flu season is usually consistent from year-to-year, but that doesn’t mean the flu can’t extend into later months. Sometimes the flu virus is likely to spread into early spring. 

How effective are flu shots? 

The flu shot is by far the most effective way to prevent the flu each season, since most flu shots are between 45-65% effective in combating the flu. Without a flu shot, your chances of getting the flu significantly increase. 

A flu shot is more likely to not only help your body build immunity, but can protected you against other flu-related illnesses. The effectiveness of a vaccine depends upon the nature of the ever-changing flu virus, but is specially manufactured to combat the flu each year. 

Without a flu shot, your body is much more susceptible to the virus and leads to uncomfortable symptoms. 

Is an early flu shot more effective? 

Yes! In fact, the earlier a patient gets a flu shot, the more likely they are to build up immunity to the flu virus before flu season peaks. 

An early flu shot can help patients prepare for a longer and earlier flu season, develop longer-term immunity, and avoid long sick days with the flu. Medical providers recommend that patients get their flu shot as soon as possible. As soon as a nearby urgent care center or walk-in clinic is offering flu shots make sure to get your vaccine ASAP! 

Which Instant Urgent Care locations offer flu shots? 

All of them! Instant Urgent Care has eight convenient urgent care centers that offer flu shots for patients. Each location also provides a walk-in clinic and provides same-day appointments for patients that need flu shots. Find your nearest location on the list below to make your appointment! 

Instant Urgent Care – Berkeley: 
3095 Telegraph Ave | Berkeley | CA 94705| ‭(510)495-0772

Instant Urgent Care – Dublin: 
4400 Tassajara Rd Ste C | Dublin, CA 94568 | ‭(925) 415-6004‬

Instant Urgent Care – Fairfield: 
1313 Travis Blvd Suite A, Fairfield, CA 94533 | ‭(707)-251-1177

Instant Urgent Care – Fremont: 
43925 Hugo Terrace, Fremont, CA 94538 | (510)-666-6658

Instant Urgent Care – Granite Bay: 
8605 Auburn Folsom Rd, Granite Bay, CA 95746 | (916)-836-2435

Instant Urgent Care – Modesto: 
2001 McHenry Ave L, Modesto, CA 95350| (209)-900-1799

Instant Urgent Care – Palo Alto: 
3737 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306| (650)-250-4898

Instant Urgent Care – Rocklin: 
2221 Sunset Blvd | #119 | Rocklin| CA 95765| (916) 836-3006

Instant Urgent Care – San Ramon: 
2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd Suite 1A | San Ramon, CA 94583 | (925) 905-9912

Instant Urgent Care – Santa Clara (Stevens Creek): 
4949 Stevens Creek Blvd | Santa Clara, CA 94306| (408) 260-2273

Instant Urgent Care – Santa Clara: 
3466 El Camino Real| Santa Clara, CA 95051| (408) 791-1210

Instant Urgent Care – Sunnyvale: 
970 W El Camino Real #8| Sunnyvale, CA 94087| (408) 212-7420

Instant Urgent Care – San Jose: 
5138 Monterey Rd Suite G| San Jose, CA 95111| (408) 687-4806

Instant Urgent Care – Tracy: 
1833 West 11th Street | Tracy | CA 95376 | (209) 299-6009

Instant Urgent Care – Valencia: 
24212 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355 | (661) 200-0701

Instant Urgent Care – Westchester: 
3005 Wolf Rd, Westchester, IL 60154 | (708) 575-0060