6 Reasons to Get a Flu Shot This Season

Flu season is here. It’s time to get your flu shot. This simple yet powerful vaccination delivers significant benefits for your health and the well-being of those around you. Wondering if it’s worth it? Here are six convincing reasons to make the flu shot a priority this year.

Debunking a Common Myth About Flu Shots

Let’s clear up a widespread misconception: You can’t get the flu from a flu shot! You might feel mild aches after getting vaccinated, but that response shows your body is building antibodies to fight the flu. These antibodies strengthen your immune system, help you stay flu-free, and prevent the spread to your loved ones.

Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot

1. Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Getting a flu shot safeguards your health and protects the people around you. While you might experience mild symptoms, high-risk groups – —such as young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions—face severe flu-related complications. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of spreading the virus to family members, friends, and coworkers.

Don’t forget: frequent handwashing serves as another great way to protect yourself during flu season!

2. Lower Your Risk of Severe Illness and Hospitalization

The flu can cause debilitating symptoms like high fever, body aches, and complications such as pneumonia. For some, these complications lead to hospital visits—or worse. The flu shot significantly reduces the chances of severe symptoms, keeping you out of the hospital and easing the strain on healthcare systems during flu season.

3. Boost Your Immune System

For people with health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, the flu poses serious dangers. A flu shot equips your immune system with the tools to fight off the virus, helping you stay strong and healthy throughout the season.

4. Stay Protected with Annual Updates

Flu strains evolve every year, so last year’s vaccine won’t protect you from this season’s viruses. The flu shot undergoes annual updates to target the most current strains, ensuring you have the best defense possible.

5. Convenient and Accessible

Getting your flu shot has never been easier. At Grady, walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also find flu vaccines at local pharmacies, clinics, and even some workplaces. Most flu shots are free or covered by insurance and take just minutes to complete. With so many accessible options, protecting yourself is hassle-free.

6. Quick, Simple, and Long-Lasting Protection

The flu shot is a small investment of time that pays off with months of protection. By reducing your chances of getting sick, you can enjoy a healthier, worry-free season and focus on what matters most.

Get Your Flu Shot at Grady

Ready to protect yourself and those around you? Grady makes it easy! Flu shots are available for $10 without insurance or based on your insurance plan. Walk into any Grady location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for quick, convenient service.

For more information, visit gradyhealth.org/flu.