Should You Get a Flu Shot Now?

For most people, seasonal Influenza is a collection of symptoms such as fever, congestion, cough, sore throat and weakness. For some people, infections lead to more serious consequences. The greater the number of people receiving flu vaccine in a community, the greater the protection will be against flu outbreaks for the community as a whole.  Health experts call this herd immunity. While a mass of vaccinated people gives the greatest protection, the next question becomes “when is the best time to get the flu shot?”

Should you get vaccinated as soon as you see ‘flu shots here’ signs popping up?

Multiple factors may influence timing the flu vaccine. Your age, travel plans, immune status, health conditions, and pregnancy status affect your decision. Infants at least six months of age, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions putting them at risk (and their caregivers) are wise to get a flu shot as soon as possible.  The timing of flu outbreaks changes year to year. Generally, flu outbreaks can start as early as October but tend to peak in or after January. Immune protection starts to decline several months after receiving the flu shot. Healthy individuals receiving flu vaccine at the end of October or early November may have more immunity from flu virus outbreaks that occur later than usual.

So, for the average healthy person, getting the flu shot in August or early September may not be necessary. Your health provider will be able to guide you regarding the timing for getting a flu shot. Need to know more? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extensive seasonal influenza resources.