When Should I Get My Flu Shot?

The leaves turning colors, a crispness in the air, pumpkins appearing on every corner – it must be fall. Along with pulling out the jackets and autumn decor, it’s important to also take protective steps for your health by getting your annual flu shot.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccines are created to match viruses that have been circulating through the population. Each seasonal flu vaccine is specifically created for that year to offer the most protection. Flu vaccines are widely available without a prescription, and most health plans will cover the vaccine without any out-of-pocket cost.

When Is the Best Time to Get the Flu Shot?

Flu activity typically peaks between December and February. However, each year flu season varies in length and severity. The best way to keep yourself and your loved ones protected is to get the flu vaccine before the end of October.

Adults and older children need only one dose but children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should receive two doses. The doses must be administered four weeks apart, so if you have a little one, make sure to schedule their first flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Who Is at Risk for the Flu?

There is no way to avoid the flu altogether but experts at St. Elizabeth recommend frequently washing hands, staying home when you feel sick and making healthy lifestyle choices to minimize your flu exposure.

“Children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions like COPD and diabetes are at the highest risk for the flu,” says Dr. Robert Tracy, MD, a Family Medicine doctor at St. Elizabeth.

While it’s possible to still get the flu even with the flu vaccine, it can reduce the severity of your illness. If you aren’t able to get the flu shot until November or even early December, it’s still worth it – but be aware that it takes two to four weeks for the full protection of the flu shot to be activated in your body.

The Flu Vaccine Can Save Lives

Even if you get sick with flu, the vaccine can provide 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, a Pharmacist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Getting the flu shot can also protect those you care about. The flu vaccine also offers herd protection, meaning it reduces flu exposure to others who might experience more severe complications.

Flu shots are available from your St. Elizabeth Primary Care offices, as well as St. Elizabeth Healthcare outpatient pharmacies. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Primary Care doctor for a flu shot, please call St. Elizabeth Physicians at 1-800-737-7900.