Wondering when you should get a flu shot? Experts recommend getting the seasonal flu vaccination as early as possible to provide the best protection. That’s because if you wait until mid-season to get your flu shot, you could be risking your health, the health of your loved ones, and your community.
Now, 18+ months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are preparing for another flu season. While we didn’t see much influenza circulating last year, as people are more active again, we have concerns about the likelihood of a busy flu season this winter.
Flu activity usually picks up in October and November, peaks around February, and can last well into the spring months. This is why early fall is an ideal time to receive the shot, as it can take about two weeks after receiving your vaccine for the full antibody effect to develop and provide flu protection. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later.
It's recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against the flu, especially expectant mothers.
Flu viruses are continuously changing, and this season's vaccines have been updated to protect against the viruses that will be most common this year. Additionally, your immune protection from a vaccine declines over time, so annual flu shots are needed for the best protection against the flu.
Request an appointment with Voyage Healthcare to receive your flu shot this fall!