Published on Sep 12, 2025 | 10:31 AM
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Every fall, you start seeing signs at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and even grocery stores: “Get your flu shot today!”
But what exactly does the flu shot do? And why is it recommended year after year? Let’s break it down.
The flu shot is a vaccine that protects against influenza, a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue. Each year, scientists study circulating flu strains and update the vaccine to match the ones most likely to spread in the upcoming season. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated annually—the flu virus changes from year to year.
The flu shot is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older.
It’s especially important for:
These groups have higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or complications.
No vaccine is 100% effective, but the flu shot significantly lowers your chances of getting sick. And even if you do catch the flu, the shot can make your illness milder and shorter. It also helps protect the people around you—especially newborns, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.
Most people tolerate the flu shot well. Side effects are usually mild and include:
These are signs your immune system is responding.
At CallOnDoc, we make healthcare easy and accessible. While flu vaccines are typically given in person, we can help you:
Healthcare shouldn’t be complicated. With CallOnDoc, you get fast, affordable, and judgment-free support whenever you need it.
Cold and flu don’t wait for doctor’s hours.
The flu may seem routine, but it’s far from harmless. Each year, it sends hundreds of thousands of Americans to the hospital.
The flu shot is one of the simplest, safest steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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