Every year, doctors and health care professionals see patients who are suffering from influenza and frequently hear them say that they wish they had done something sooner to prevent the illness.
Cherity Mays, FNP-C, with CareXpress, urges patients to get the annual flu vaccination now that it is available.
“Vaccinations are now available at all BSA CareXpress Urgent Care locations, and this is an extremely important preventative measure to take,” said Mays. “Especially for people in the three categories who are most vulnerable — small children, senior citizens and those who are medically fragile.
Mays explained that getting a vaccination does not guarantee that a person will not contract the flu, it does reduce the chances of getting it. If a person who has been vaccinated does get the flu, the effects should be less severe compared to someone who has not been vaccinated.
“It is very important to get vaccinated early,” said Mays. “The seasonal vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to be most common during the upcoming season.”
According to Mays, some people complaining of a having low-grade fever after receiving the vaccine, but it’s not the flu, rather it’s the immune system responding to the vaccine in the body.
“Children who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the process sooner,” said Mays. “Those two doses must be given at least four weeks apart, so parents need to keep that in mind.”
“All CareXpress Urgent Care clinics in Amarillo and Canyon have the vaccine available,” said Trevor Spradling, CareXpress Vice President of Operations. The flu shot is free for most patients, as most insurances cover the entire cost of the flu shot. CareXpress offers affordable self-pay options for people without insurance or those whose insurance does not cover the cost of the shot. No appointment is necessary and patients can also check-in online at www.carexpressurgentcare.com to reduce their wait time.
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu shots are approved for use in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.
People can go to any of the following CareXpress locations to get a flu shot: 2701 South Georgia, 34th and Coulter, 1400 S Van Buren St., 2329 Ross Osage Dr. or 911 23rd Street in Canyon.