When is the best time of year to get a flu shot?
When is the best time of year to get a flu shot? Some say the earlier the better... some say late in fall?
Hi Lazy T -
You're right, there is some disagreement about when the best time to get the flu shot is. However, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, the best time is soon after the shot becomes available; usually sometime in October.
As you know, most flu activity peaks sometime around January or February and it does take some time to allow your body to develop the antibodies.
If you don’t get it right at the start of the season, most pharmacies and doctor’s offices continue to offer it throughout the flu season. Beware though, there have been years of shortages, so it may become increasingly difficult to find available vaccines the further into the year you get.
For what it’s worth, most healthcare workers are offered the vaccine by their employers in early to mid-October.
If you’d like to read more from the CDC, here’s the link: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
Warm Regards,
Lyn (site moderator)
Hi Lazy T and thanks for the question. As Lyn has pointed out, despite the differences in opinion, the CDC recommendations are clear. The best time to get the shot continues to be shortly after the current season's flu shot is available. By following those recommendations, you will insure that you have adequate protection all through the season.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)
