Flu season is approaching, and getting an annual flu shot is the best way to stay healthy and protect those around you. The flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body pain, sore throat, fever, and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe.
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care in Marlborough, we make it easy for both adults and children to get their flu shot, whether through scheduled appointments or same-day walk-ins. The 2025 flu vaccine has been updated to target the most likely circulating strains, helping keep you and your family safe this season.
Flu Season 2025:What to Expect This Year
According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, flu activity typically peaks in October and can persist into February in Massachusetts, making now the ideal time to get vaccinated.
The CNN Health News reports that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect the 2025-2026 fall and winter respiratory illness season to have the same peak hospitalization figures as last season, due to the co-occurrence of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Who Should Get a Flu Shot-and When
Health authorities recommend that everyone six months and older could benefit from a flu shot each year. The vaccine is especially important for:
- Seniors (65 and above), who are at higher risk for complications
- Children under 5, particularly those younger than 2
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
The ideal time to get vaccinated is before late October, so your body has time to build antibodies before flu season peaks. During flu seasons, the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of needing medical attention for flu by 40% to 60%.
Flu shots are now available at Zenith Primary & Urgent Care in Marlborough. You can book here or simply walk in.
What’s New About the 2025 Flu Vaccine
Each year, flu vaccines are updated to match the strains of the virus most likely to spread, and for the 2025-2026 season, there’s one small but significant change.
CDC updates that the vaccine now includes an updated H3N2 strain to provide better protection against newer versions of the flu virus that have been circulating. The other two trains, H1N1 and B/Victoria, remain unchanged from last year, as they continue to offer strong coverage.
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care, we offer the standard trivalent flu vaccine (which protects against three main flu strains), which is also preservative-free.
Getting your flu shot is still the best way to stay healthy and protect those around you this season.
Flu Shot Side Effects: What’s Normal and What’s Not
After getting your flu shot, it’s common to have a few mild side effects, and that’s actually a good sign your body is building protection. Most reactions are short-lived and go away on their own within a couple of days.
Normal, mild side effects can include:
- Soreness, redness, or mild swelling where the shot was given
- Fatigue or mild muscle aches
- A low-grade fever or chills
These symptoms are typically mild and don’t mean you’re getting the flu; the vaccine can’t cause it. Everyone reacts differently, but for most people, these side effects are minor compared to contracting the actual flu.
What’s not normal and when to go to Urgent Care:
- If you develop a high fever that lasts more than a couple of days
- If you have severe pain or swelling at the injection site
- If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat (signs of a possible allergic reaction, though this is very rare)
If you’re ever unsure, our team at Zenith Primary & Urgent Care is here to help. We can answer your questions, check for any unusual symptoms, and ensure you’re feeling your best after your vaccine.
Can You Get the Flu After the Shot?
The flu shot cannot give you the flu because it doesn’t contain a live virus. It takes approximately two weeks after receiving your flu shot for your body to develop full protection. During that time, your immune system is learning to recognize and fight off the virus.
If you’re exposed to the flu before those two weeks are up, you could still get sick, but your symptoms are usually much milder and shorter than if you weren’t vaccinated at all.
According to CDC data reported by CNN News, the flu vaccine was about 42% to 56% effective in adults during the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. In other words, the flu vaccine reduced the chance of getting the flu by nearly half. Those who still caught the virus generally experienced less severe illness and recovered more quickly.
Flu Prevention Tips Beyond the Vaccine
While the flu shot is your best defense, healthy everyday habits can also help you stay well throughout the season:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you’re not feeling well
- Support your immune system with plenty of sleep, balanced meals, and good hydration
At Zenith, we also offer rapid flu testing for patients with symptoms like fever, sore throat, congestion, or body aches. Quick testing helps us determine whether it’s truly the flu, a common cold, or another respiratory illness, so you can get the right care fast.
Get Your Flu Shot Near You in Metrowest
If you’re searching for flu shots near Marlborough, MA, look no further than Zenith Primary & Urgent Care. Our team offers shots for both children and adults, along with urgent care and vaccination services, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Zenith Primary Care is accepting new patients from Marlborough, Ashland, Berlin, Bolton, Framingham, Hopkinton, Hudson, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough.
We offer same-day and next-week appointments, and our clinic is open daily until late for after-work or weekend visits. Whether you need a physical, lab tests, or quick relief from sudden symptoms, our care team is here for you.
Call 627-500-7933 or book online to schedule your appointment for primary care and urgent care.
