When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?

As flu season approaches, major pharmacies like Walmart and CVS are gearing up with flu shots ready for the public. But what's the ideal timeframe for millions of Americans to roll up their sleeves? Experts suggest waiting until Halloween could be your best bet!

"October is when I recommend getting the vaccine, as influenza activity begins to surge then—there is very little activity now," explained Dr. Amesh Adalja to Prevention.com. He emphasizes that getting vaccinated in October allows the immunity to last throughout the flu season.

The Risks of Waiting Too Long

Flu season typically spans from October to May, and last year, the hospitalization rate skyrocketed, making it the deadliest non-pandemic flu season for American children on record—with a staggering 279 deaths reported, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. So, why wait?

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, warns that if you receive the vaccine too early, its protective effects may diminish before peak flu season hits. "The concern is that the protection will wane. If you can wait a bit, that’s better," he stated.

Who Should Get Vaccinated Early?

The only exception may be for children under eight years old who have never had a flu shot. They typically need two doses— the first dose primes their immune system, while the second, given four weeks later, boosts their immunity.

In contrast, older children, teens, and adults usually require just one dose per season, although receiving two shots within a year may enhance their defense against evolving flu viruses.

Flu Vaccine Effectiveness and Risks

Research indicates that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine may start to decline within weeks after administration, with flu risks increasing by approximately 16% for every 28 days post-vaccination. This is critical, as the peak of flu season coincides with colder months when people are compelled to congregate indoors, increasing transmission likelihood.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Medical professionals urge everyone aged six months and older to get their flu vaccine annually. This flu season, most insurance plans cover the vaccine at no cost, while those without insurance can expect to pay under $100.

Particularly vulnerable groups include individuals over 65, those in nursing homes, pregnant women, and anyone with weakened immune systems. While the vaccine isn't a 100% guarantee against illness, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and even lowers mortality risk by 31%.

Additional Precautions

Preventing illness also involves basic hygiene practices: frequent hand washing and regularly sanitizing commonly touched surfaces can protect you from the flu. Remember, the flu can easily spread through touching your face, so try to avoid that.

Dr. Adalja posits, "Flu vaccination is best thought of as a way of increasing your resilience to respiratory virus season. It is an essential tool to help you avoid the disruptive and serious consequences of influenza infection."

The Stark Reality of Last Season's Flu

Last year alone, an estimated 25,000 people died from the flu, with about 400,000 hospitalizations and a staggering 35 million cases reported. With such numbers, getting your flu shot could be your best defense this season.