As the cold seasons approach, many people begin to prepare for fall and winter routines. For most people, this should include an annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is effective and safe and provides protection against the flu for both you and those around you.
Getting a flu shot can prevent you from missing work or school due to illness. The flu vaccine also protects you against serious symptoms, which could require hospitalization. And the flu vaccine can save the lives of those most at risk. This includes pregnant women, the elderly and children, as well as people with chronic illnesses.
But what if it’s already flu season or you’ve already had the flu? Is it ever too late to get a flu shot? Below, GoodRx, a drug savings platform, has the answers.
Key points to remember:
The best time to get a flu vaccine is right before the flu season begins. Flu season usually begins around the end of October.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective and recommended for most people.
The flu vaccine protects you even if you have already had the flu. So it’s almost never too late to get vaccinated against the flu.
Is it too late to get a flu shot?
It’s almost never too late to get your flu shot. A flu vaccine will provide protection as long as the flu is circulating in the community. Since the flu circulates until late May in most parts of the United States, even getting vaccinated in late winter or early spring will help keep you healthy.
When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?
The best time to get a flu vaccine is right before the flu season begins, which usually means September or October. In most parts of the United States, flu season runs from October to May. The peak of activity generally extends from December to February.
It is best to get your flu vaccine before the end of October. It takes two weeks for your immune system to fully respond to a vaccine. It is therefore important to plan accordingly and get vaccinated before flu activity increases in your community.
Early vaccination – that is, getting a flu shot in July or August – is sometimes an option. This may be wise for young children who need two doses of flu vaccine in the same year. You may also benefit from early vaccination if you are pregnant or about to give birth.
But, in general, most people should not get vaccinated early. The flu vaccine becomes less effective over time, so it is more effective if you wait until flu season gets closer.
How long does the flu vaccine last?
It’s not clear how long a flu vaccine lasts. Studies show that vaccine protection probably lasts at least six months for most people, but fades over time. This is why it is important to get the flu vaccine every year to get the best possible protection against the flu virus during flu season.
Should you get the flu vaccine if you’ve already had the flu?
Yes, you should get a flu shot if you’ve had the flu before. Each year, several strains of influenza spread through communities. Immunity to one strain of flu does not protect you against other strains.
This means you can get the flu more than once a year. The flu vaccine is designed to protect you against many of the most bothersome strains each season. It therefore makes sense to get vaccinated even if you have already recovered from the flu.
Where to get the flu vaccine
Flu vaccines are widely available during flu season. There are many places you can get your flu shot, including:
Most major retail pharmacy chains
Flu shot pop-up clinics in community centers and hospitals
Your local health department
There is no “right” place to get your flu shot. You can contact any approved healthcare professional offering an approved flu vaccine.
When not to get the flu vaccine
Almost everyone should get a flu shot. However, the flu vaccine is not recommended for:
Anyone with a severe allergy or anaphylaxis to the flu vaccine or its ingredients
Infants under 6 months
Anyone with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome should discuss it with their healthcare team before getting the flu vaccine.
In rare situations, the risks of the flu vaccine may outweigh the benefits. In these cases, people should speak with their healthcare team before getting the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is safe for people with egg allergies. Before 2023, people with egg allergies had to take special precautions when getting the flu vaccine, but according to the CDC, that’s no longer the case.
If you or your child is sick on the day of your flu shot appointment, be sure to tell the healthcare provider. Some people can still get vaccinated if they only have a minor illness. In some cases, it may be recommended to postpone the flu vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to get your flu shot in January?
No, it’s not too late to get your flu shot in January. In the United States, the flu tends to linger until May. You can even get the flu in the summer. Getting a flu shot in January still provides important protection.
Can you get a flu vaccine at any time of the year?
Yes, you can get a flu shot any time of the year. But keep in mind that you’re more likely to be better protected if you get your flu vaccine right before the flu season begins, around September or October. Protection wanes over time, so the idea is to make sure you’re protected during the peak of flu season.
How effective is the flu vaccine this year?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from season to season, depending on how closely the vaccine matches the strains actually circulating. During seasons where concordance is good, flu vaccination reduces the risk of a flu-related medical visit by 40 to 60%. But one thing persists every year: even when compatibility is imperfect, the vaccine still reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
Does the flu vaccine make you sick?
No, the flu vaccine does not make you sick. Flu vaccines contain inactivated (killed) virus or unique viral proteins. None of these can cause a flu infection. Some people may feel sick after a flu shot with:
But it’s your immune system that responds to the vaccine, not the flu.
What should you avoid after a flu vaccine?
There’s not much to avoid after a flu shot. That being said, you may want to avoid intense arm workouts if your arm is sore and avoid alcohol for a day or so. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which could make side effects worse.
The essentials
The best time to get a flu vaccine is two weeks before the flu season begins, usually around the end of October. But it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine, as the virus normally circulates in communities until May each year. The flu vaccine can protect people from getting the flu and can save the lives of people at risk of getting severe flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone over 6 months of age.
This story was produced by BonRx and revised and distributed by Stacker.
Gn Health
