October is here, and so is the best window for your flu shot. If you live or work in Manassas, AltMed Medical Center offers walk-in flu shots Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, no appointment needed. Below is what changed with this year's vaccine, who should get one, and what to do if the flu reaches you first.
Quick answer
- The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for most people 6 months and older, ideally given in September or October.
- All three strains in the 2026-2027 vaccine were updated, including protection aimed at the H3N2 "subclade K" strain that spread widely last season.
- Adults 65 and older are advised to get a higher-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant flu vaccine when one is available.
- You can walk in for a flu shot at AltMed in Manassas on weekdays. Call ahead to confirm coverage or self-pay pricing.
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips are emergency signs. Call 911.
When should I get a flu shot this year?
Now is a good time. The CDC's current guidance says most people should get vaccinated in September or October, and it actually advises against July or August shots for most groups because protection can fade before flu season peaks.
That makes the next few weeks the sweet spot. Your body needs roughly two weeks after the shot to build up protection, so getting it in early October means you're covered before Halloween parties, Thanksgiving travel, and crowded holiday offices.
Missed October? Get it anyway. Flu often circulates well into spring, and a late shot still beats no shot.
What's different about the 2026-2027 flu vaccine?
Every strain changed. According to the CDC's 2026-2027 season overview, all three virus components were updated from last year's vaccine. One of the biggest reasons is H3N2 subclade K, a version of the flu that spread widely during the 2025-2026 season. The FDA finalized this year's strain selection in March.
A few other details from the CDC's supply projections:
- Manufacturers expect to make about 135 million doses for the U.S.
- Every dose is a three-strain (trivalent) formulation.
- About 99% of doses are thimerosal-free, and roughly 27% are made without eggs.
So if you got a flu shot last fall, it isn't built for this year's viruses. You'll want this season's version.
Who should get a flu shot?
The short version: almost everyone 6 months and up. The CDC says flu vaccines are available for everyone in that age group, and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is encouraging Virginians of all ages to get vaccinated this fall. In its September 2026 statement, VDH pointed out that respiratory viruses drive tens of thousands of urgent care and ER visits in Virginia every year.
Some people have more at stake. The CDC lists these groups as higher risk for serious flu complications:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 5, especially under 2
- Pregnant people
- People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
Special notes for older adults, kids, and pregnancy
65 and older. The CDC recommends that older adults preferentially get a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant flu vaccine. If none of those is on hand, any age-appropriate flu shot is still better than skipping it.
Young children. Kids ages 6 months through 8 years who haven't had at least two flu shots before may need two doses, given at least four weeks apart. If your child is in that group, starting now gives you time to finish both doses by the end of October or shortly after. Your child's pediatrician or our team can check their record.
Pregnancy. The CDC recommends flu vaccination during any trimester, using the inactivated or recombinant type (not the nasal spray). Talk with your OB or a provider if you have questions.
Egg allergy. This one surprises people. Current CDC guidance says people with an egg allergy can receive any flu vaccine that's otherwise right for them, with no extra precautions beyond the usual ones.
Can I get my flu shot and COVID vaccine at the same time?
Generally, yes. CDC guidance says injectable flu vaccines can be given at the same visit as other vaccines, in separate spots on the body. Plenty of people find it easier to knock out both in one trip.
Vaccine recommendations have been shifting at the national level this year, and coverage rules can differ by insurance plan. If you're weighing a COVID booster or RSV vaccine alongside your flu shot, ask during your visit. Our vaccinations and immunizations page lists what we offer, and the front desk can help you sort out coverage before you roll up your sleeve.
Where can I get a flu shot in Manassas without an appointment?
AltMed Medical Center at 8551 Rixlew Lane, Suite 140 A, takes walk-ins for flu shots Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's a quick visit for most people.
A few things make it smoother:
- Bring your insurance card and a photo ID.
- If you're paying out of pocket or billing through an employer, call (703) 361-4357 first to confirm current pricing.
- Wear a short-sleeve shirt or something with a loose sleeve.
- Let the staff know if you've ever had a serious reaction to a vaccine.
Need proof of vaccination for school, a job, or a healthcare workplace? We can provide documentation, which comes up a lot this time of year for students and new hires.
Flu shots for Manassas-area employers
Offices, warehouses, schools, and construction crews all lose time when flu moves through a team. If you manage a workplace in Prince William County, our occupational health clinic works with employers on vaccinations and records, so you don't have to coordinate everyone's shots one by one. Call us to talk through options for your staff.
What if I already have flu symptoms?
Then don't wait to see if it passes, especially if you're in a higher-risk group. Flu tends to hit fast: fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, and heavy tiredness that shows up over hours rather than days.
Timing matters here. The CDC notes that prescription flu antivirals work best when started within two days of symptoms beginning. They can ease symptoms and shorten the illness by about a day. They're mostly recommended for people at higher risk of complications or who are very sick, so not everyone with the flu will need them. A provider can help you decide.
Our urgent care clinic sees fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory illnesses on a walk-in basis. If getting out of bed feels impossible, a telehealth visit may be a good first step.
When flu becomes an emergency
Some symptoms need an ER or 911, not a clinic. Based on CDC warning signs, get emergency care right away for:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Ongoing chest or belly pain or pressure
- Confusion, persistent dizziness, or trouble waking up
- Seizures
- In children: fast breathing, bluish lips or face, no urine for 8 hours, or any fever in a baby under 12 weeks old
Get your flu shot this week
A flu shot takes a few minutes, and October is the month to do it. Stop by AltMed Medical Center in Manassas any weekday between 9 and 5, or book a visit online if you'd like to plan ahead. Questions about insurance or pricing? Reach out to our team or call (703) 361-4357. We'll help you get sorted.
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Altmed Medical Center offers urgent care, primary care, occupational health, telehealth, and medical weight-loss services in Manassas. If this article matches what you are dealing with, our team can help you choose the right service.
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