When Should I Get My Flu Shot?

Summary Paragraph

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Seasonal flu vaccines are updated each year to protect against the influenza viruses expected to circulate. Flu vaccines are widely available. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary, so check with your health plan or vaccination location before your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season, with rare exceptions.
• September and October are generally the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Ideally, get your flu vaccine by the end of October.
• Children ages 6 months through 8 years may need two doses during the same flu season if it is the first time they are getting the flu vaccine. A health care provider can help determine how many doses your child needs.
• It takes about two weeks for the body to build protection after vaccination.
• Getting vaccinated later in the season can still help protect you, even if you miss the recommended September or October window.
• The flu vaccine can lower your risk of getting sick and may reduce the severity of illness if you still get the flu.

When Is the Best Time to Get the Flu Shot?

Flu activity typically peaks between December and February, although each flu season varies in length and severity. For most people, September and October are the best times to get a flu vaccine. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. If you miss that window, getting vaccinated later can still provide protection while flu viruses are circulating.

Most people need one flu vaccine each season. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses, given at least four weeks apart if it is the first time they are getting the flu vaccine. A health care provider can review your child’s vaccination history and determine how many doses are needed.

Who Is at Risk for the Flu?

No prevention method can eliminate your risk of getting the flu. In addition to vaccination, experts at St. Elizabeth recommend washing your hands frequently, staying home when you are sick and making healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your exposure.

“Some people are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu. This includes adults age 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. If you are at higher risk, getting vaccinated is especially important,” says Robert Tracy, MD, Family Medicine Physician at St. Elizabeth.

It is possible to get the flu even after vaccination, but the vaccine can reduce the severity of illness. If you are not able to get your flu shot until November or later, it can still be beneficial. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies that help protect against the flu.

The Flu Vaccine Can Save Lives

Even if you get sick with the flu, vaccination can provide important benefits. “People who are vaccinated for the flu typically have a less severe course of illness. That means they miss fewer days of work or school and are less likely to require hospitalization,” says Scott Simon, Pharmacist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Getting vaccinated can also help protect the people around you, including those who are more likely to experience serious flu complications.

Flu shots are available at St. Elizabeth Primary Care offices and St. Elizabeth Healthcare outpatient pharmacies. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider for a flu shot, call St. Elizabeth Physicians at (800) 737-7900.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medically reviewed by Robert Tracy, MD, on 9/11/2026.