Patient First offering 'Fast Track' flu shots

Patient First is now offering flu shots from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day through its Fast Track Flu Shot program. Through the program, no appointment is needed to walk into any Patient First urgent care center, undergo a shortened registration process and receive the vaccination. Both seasonal flu shots, which are available to patients aged three and older, and high-dose flu shots available to patients aged 65 and older, offer protection against four strains of the flu virus.

With most insurance there are no out-of-pocket costs for flu shots.  Self-pay cost for the seasonal flu shot is $35, and $65 for the high-dose flu shot.

The CDC recommends that people be vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins in their community, and ideally no later than the end of October.  A flu shot will not protect a person from COVID-19, but it will decrease the risk of having both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

The flu and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms, including cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever or feeling feverish/chills, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and muscle pain or body aches.

There are also differences in symptoms between the two, such as new loss of taste or smell, which has been associated with COVID-19 but not the flu.  The flu is also more likely to appear one to four days after infection with a sudden onset of illness, high fever, headache and body aches, while COVID-19 symptoms may appear two to 14 days after infection with a more gradual onset of illness, mild headache, body aches, and mild or no fever.

The CDC urges everyone over six months of age, including pregnant women, to be vaccinated against the flu. Among other steps to take to avoid the flu:  washing hands, covering up when sneezing and coughing, and disinfecting surfaces such as remote controls, doorknobs, tabletops, keyboards, phones, and toys.