Every late summer, you may start getting text messages from your local pharmacy reminding you to schedule your flu shot. But what is the best time to get a flu shot? Right away? Around the holidays? Timing your flu shot can actually help more than you might think.
“Timing matters because the flu vaccine doesn’t provide protection immediately,” says Dr. Scott Braunstein, MD, the chief medical officer at Sollis Health. “It can take about two weeks for your immune system to build a strong response, so ideally, you want to be vaccinated before flu activity begins increasing in your community.”
That said, the flu shot doesn’t provide lifelong protection (which is why you need to get one every year).
“The protection of the flu vaccine wanes with time, and you will have the most effective protection from the vaccine for about three to four months after receiving it,” explains Dr. Victoria C. Weston, MD, the associate chief medical officer for immediate care at Northwestern Medicine.
There’s been a ton of talk about vaccines lately, so Dr. Weston wants to clear a few things up: “The flu shot does not give you the flu, and it does not protect you from many other viruses that circulate in the winter months, such as gastrointestinal viruses—the ‘stomach flu’ or the common cold,” she explains.
Instead, she says that the flu shot helps the body’s immune system learn to recognize the virus and form antibodies. That way, you can fight off the infection more quickly, so you’re less likely to get sick at all (or become severely ill).
But when should you get the flu shot? Doctors are begging people to get the flu shot by this date.
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Get a Flu Shot by This Date, Doctors Say
Dr. Braunstein suggests getting your flu shot by the end of October. “For most people, September and October are generally the best months to get vaccinated,” Dr. Braunstein says. “That gives your immune system time to build protection before flu activity typically increases, without getting vaccinated unnecessarily early in the season.”
That said, he insists that “the end of October is a goal, not a hard deadline.” Dr. Weston feels the same way.
“Better late than never,” Dr. Weston says. “Even if you get vaccinated in November, for example, this is still better than not getting vaccinated at all…The flu virus can circulate into the springtime.”
Still, Dr. Weston says it’s best to try to time your flu shot so you have protection when peak season hits. Dr. Weston adds that you can find flu shots at most retailers, and your doctor may offer them at their office.
Related: Pharmacists Are Begging People To Stop Mixing These 2 Common Over-The-Counter Medications
When To Get a Flu Shot, Based on Health, Job and Age Status
Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center who works in urgent care, says that your “best time to get a flu shot” can vary based on your age, health status and job. Dr. Cutler leans on the CDC’s recommendations and his clinical experience for certain special populations, including:
Older adults (65+): Avoid July/August vaccination if possible and aim to receive a high-dose inactivated, recombinant or adjuvanted inactivated vaccine. “If one of those isn’t available, an age-appropriate flu vaccine should still be given rather than delaying vaccination,” Dr. Cutler explains. Babies and younger children (6 months–8 years) who have never had the flu shot: First-time flu shot recipients need two shots, spaced at least four weeks apart. “Those children should receive the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, including July or August if necessary, so that the second dose can be given by the end of October,” Dr. Cutler says. Pregnant people: Dr. Cutler says people in their first or second trimester in July, August, September or October can inch towards later dates. But people who are in their third trimester in July and August might want to roll up their sleeves earlier. “For women who are in their third trimester during July or August, early vaccination can be considered because maternal vaccination can help protect the newborn during the first months of life, when the infant is too young to be vaccinated,” Dr. Cutler says. Healthcare providers: There’s no specific CDC guidance, so September or October is a good time for physicians, nurses and others working in healthcare settings. “For healthcare workers in hospitals and other clinical settings, local institutional requirements may impose an earlier deadline,” Dr. Cutler notes. Teachers, childcare workers and people who work closely with children: Again, the CDC doesn’t offer specific guidance here. So, September or October is appropriate. “The rationale is exposure: schools and childcare settings provide many opportunities for respiratory-virus transmission,” Dr. Cutler says. “Vaccination also reduces the chance of bringing influenza home to family members.” People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma/COPD, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurologic disorders or immunocompromising conditions: September or October. “These conditions increase the risk of complications from influenza, so vaccination is particularly important,” Dr. Cutler stresses.Related: Doctors Say These ’90s Health Tips Actually Hold up Today
3 Other Tips for Flu Season
Getting a flu shot (ideally by October) offers strong protection during peak season. Dr. Braunstein also suggests a few additional layers of protection. He shared three tips for getting through flu season feeling as well as possible.
1. Keep your home stocked for cold and flu season
You can’t cure the flu or the common cold, but you can make yourself more comfortable. Dr. Braunstein suggests having the basics, such as:
A thermometer Tissues Hand sanitizer Age-appropriate fever and pain relievers Fluids or electrolyte drinks“If someone does get sick, having those essentials on hand makes it easier to manage symptoms, monitor for changes, and avoid unnecessary trips out while contagious,” Dr. Braunstein tells Parade.
2. Focus on hand hygiene, cleaner air and frequently touched surfaces
All the things we talked about ad nauseam in March 2020—the early days of the pandemic—still apply in the fall of 2026.
“Wash your hands regularly, especially after being in public spaces and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth when possible,” Dr. Braunstein says. “Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces is another reasonable precaution, particularly when someone in the household is sick.”
He adds that improving ventilation or using a HEPA air purifier can also reduce indoor exposure to viruses.
3. Have a plan in case someone gets sick
Sickness happens, but some proactive preparation can help you mitigate risk to the whole house if someone comes down with an illness, including the flu.
“If possible, designate an area where a sick family member can rest away from others and avoid sharing personal items like towels or drinking glasses,” Dr. Braunstein suggests. “Have a plan to promptly test an ill family member for flu, so that others can take appropriate precautions.”
It may be helpful to add “flu test kits” to your winter-readiness kit. Also, Dr. Braunstein recommends getting familiar with school, daycare, and workplace sick and leave policies. “Planning ahead makes it easier to limit exposure to others and get appropriate care quickly if symptoms become concerning,” he says.
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Sources:
Dr. Scott Braunstein, MD, the chief medical officer at Sollis Health Dr. Victoria C. Weston, MD, the associate chief medical officer for immediate care at Northwestern Medicine Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, who works in urgent care. Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in the United States. CDC.Hence then, the article about doctors are begging you to get your flu shot by this date was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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