When is the best time to get the flu shot?
The severity of this year’s flu season is hard to predict, but we do know that the flu is on its way. Getting a flu shot at the right time is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
Margaret Funk, MD Published Sept 28, 2018
The flu shot helps boost your immunity to the strains of flu that experts believe will be most prevalent in the coming flu season. On average, the flu shot reduces your risk of getting the flu by about 50 percent.
Several factors can determine the effectiveness of the flu shot, including timing. We usually see the first flu cases in October, and the season peaks from December to March. Some years, cases are still occurring in May.
To prevent the flu, the best time to get a flu shot is in October. Here’s why.
Your body needs time to build antibodies.
You should get vaccinated before flu begins spreading. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies that protect you from the flu to develop in the body.
There are many clinics where you can get a flu shot. Find a flu shot location
You want protection for the full season.
If you get the shot too early, your immunity may wane before the flu season is really over.
If you wait too long, it may be too late.
If you wait until flu is widespread before getting vaccinated, you may get exposed to the flu virus before your body develops immunity.
If you have young children who are getting the flu shot for the first time, it’s especially important to get it early. That’s because they will need two doses, four weeks apart.
The only reason to delay getting the flu shot is because of illness. If you’re sick with a fever (not just a cold), wait until the fever has passed before getting a flu shot.
If October has passed and you have not yet had a flu shot, it’s not too late. Since the flu can spread well into spring, you’ll still be reducing your risk of getting the flu.
When is the best time to get the flu shot?
This short quiz will help you know when you should get your flu shot.