What's the Optimal Timing for Receiving Your Annual Flu Vaccination?
The flu season in the U.S. northern hemisphere usually runs from October through April, with the peak occurring between December and February. To protect yourself during this period, it's recommended to get your flu shot as early as possible, ideally by the end of October[1][2].
Getting the flu shot before respiratory season starts is advisable because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build sufficient antibodies to protect against the flu[1][4]. This means that getting the shot beforehand ensures protection when respiratory virus circulation rises.
For children between 6 months and 9 years old who haven't been vaccinated before, a two-dose series is required, with the injections spaced four weeks apart[5]. It's important to note that getting a flu shot will not interfere with immunizations against COVID-19 or RSV, and getting multiple vaccines at once will not overload the immune system[6].
Pregnant women are advised to get a flu shot at any time during their pregnancy due to an increased risk of hospitalization and death if they contract the flu[7]. The antibodies created from a flu shot can provide a baby with some protection in the first six months of life[7]. The timing of a flu shot during pregnancy may change depending on the delivery date.
People over 65 are recommended to get a flu shot specifically formulated to provide extra protection[8]. For those with a compromised immune system, getting a flu shot is crucial, but the timing may depend on individual health situations.
It's worth mentioning that the flu is a seasonal disease, with the U.S. northern hemisphere flu season typically starting in October and peaking between December and February. Co-infection, or having multiple respiratory infections at the same time, increases the risk of serious illness[9]. Getting all recommended vaccinations is important for defending against the risk of co-infection.
Lastly, if the ideal time for a flu shot has passed, getting it as soon as possible is still beneficial[5]. After recovering from the flu, wait two weeks before getting a flu shot to ensure the body's immune response is not still focused on the previous infection[5].
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Key Facts about Influenza Vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). How Flu Spreads. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/who/index.html [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). How Long Do Flu Vaccines Protect Against Flu? https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/howlong.htm [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Children's Flu Vaccination. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/children.htm [6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Can I Get a Flu Shot and COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time? https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/co-administration.htm [7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Vaccination of Pregnant Women. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm [8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). High-Dose Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/highdose.htm [9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Flu and Multiple Viruses. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/other/multi-viruses.htm
Engaging in regular fitness and exercise, combined with a healthy diet, can bolster the immune system and, thus, help in fighting off the flu and other respiratory infections. Hence, maintaining a health-and-wellness lifestyle, including a flu shot, is essential during the flu season.
