Flu Shots: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Flu Shots?
A primary care doctor, the doctor you see for everyday health care, can talk with you about a flu shot. Flu shots are offered in many doctor's offices and clinics. You can also get one at a pharmacy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A flu shot is a vaccine that helps protect you from influenza, also called flu. Flu shots are made with flu viruses that have been killed, or with proteins from a flu virus. A flu shot cannot give you the flu. A nasal spray flu vaccine also exists, but the information here is about the shot.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Everyone 6 months and older in the United States should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year. Flu is more dangerous for some people. People at greatest risk of flu problems include babies, young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system or certain health conditions. Complications are health problems that flu can lead to, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections.
How to prepare
- Tell your provider if you have had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before.
- Also tell your provider about any severe, life-threatening allergies.
- People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated.
- Children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses during a single flu season.
- Everyone else needs only 1 dose each flu season.
What happens during it
Flu shots are given with a needle into a muscle in the arm or thigh. A flu shot may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Recovery
Soreness, redness, and swelling where the shot is given, fever, muscle aches, and headache can happen after a flu shot. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own in a few days without treatment. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
Risks and side effects
There may be a very small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome after a flu shot. It is a rare nerve disorder. Young children might be slightly more likely to have a seizure caused by fever if they get a flu shot with certain other vaccines at the same time. As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you see signs of a severe allergic reaction. These signs include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Who performs it
Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor's offices and clinics. You can also get one at a health department, pharmacy, urgent care clinic, or college health center, and in some schools and workplaces.
Common questions
Can a flu shot give me the flu?
No, a flu shot cannot give you the flu. You can still get sick with flu if you are exposed to a flu virus shortly before the shot, or while your body is building protection. Protection starts about 2 weeks after the shot.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
For most people, September and October are good times to get a flu shot. Ideally, everyone should get the shot by the end of October. Most adults, especially those 65 years and older, should generally not get vaccinated early, in July or August, because protection may decrease over time.
Do I need a flu shot every year?
Yes, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year for the best protection. First, your protection from the shot fades over time. Second, flu viruses keep changing, so flu vaccines are updated every year.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- CDC - Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
- MedlinePlus - Influenza (flu) vaccine (inactivated or recombinant) - what you need to know
- CDC - Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
