Sept. 20, 2023
Now that we are well into September, it is a good time to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t gotten it already. While flu viruses can circulate throughout the year, there is typically an increase in October and a peak usually between December and February, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends September and October as the best times to get vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is the best and most important step you can take to prevent flu. While it is still possible to get sick even after vaccination, getting the flu vaccine reduces the severity of the illness. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccine by the end of October to ensure protection. Vaccination is particularly important for those who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- Residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years of age
- People who have medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, chronic lung diseases and weakened immune systems, among others
The flu is very contagious and can be transmitted to others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after the illness begins. Remember, too: It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body.
Every flu season is different, and the virus can affect people differently, too. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Flu can mean a few days of feeling bad and missing work or it can result in more serious illness. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu.
If you are concerned about the other seasonal illnesses that tend to rise in the fall, like COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), talk to your doctor or healthcare clinician about getting vaccinated against these viruses, too.