When should I get a flu vaccine?

This question relates to a prescription drug. The answers below are not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. Please contact your healthcare provider for any prescription drug questions.

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  1.  Stacy Wiegman
     
    Stacy Wiegman answered:
    The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective in protecting against influenza. That means vaccination is recommended sometime between mid-September and mid-November in the United States. Doctors suggest that you get the vaccine about six or eight weeks before the flu season starts in your area. If you delay, you may increase your risk of getting influenza. Even if you delay, though, you should get the vaccination, as flu season often lasts several months.

    More Related Answers from Stacy Wiegman
    The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective in protecting against influenza. That means vaccination is recommended sometime between mid-September and mid-November in the United States. Doctors suggest that you get the vaccine... More
  2.  Shelley Chermak - Elite Trainer
     

    The influenza ( flu shot ) vaccine is recommended annually in the United States during the fall and winter season to protect against the outbreak of the A, the B, and the H1N1 virus.  It should only be given one time and needs to be repeated each flu season.

    The flu vaccine is contraindicated if the person is allergic to eggs, has a history of a severe reaction with previous flu shot, or has a history of Guillian-Barre.

    If the person is sick with a fever, they should wait till they recover to be vaccinated.

    The vaccine is given in a single dose injection, and should not be mixed with any other medicine.

    More Related Answers from Shelley Chermak - Elite Trainer
    The influenza ( flu shot ) vaccine is recommended annually in the United States during the fall and winter season to protect against the outbreak of the A, the B, and the H1N1 virus.  It should only be given one time and needs to be repeated... More
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
     

    Flu vaccine shipments typically begin in the fall. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as the flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine, or seek out other locations where the vaccine is being offered.

    The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.

    Flu vaccine shipments typically begin in the fall. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as the flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu... More
  4. Dr. Diana Blythe
     

    You should get the flu shot in the early fall, in order to have protection for the entire flu season. Most people only need one flu shot every flu season.

    In children under nine years old who are getting the flu shot for the first time, a booster flu shot is needed a month later to improve the effectiveness of the vaccine. Children nine or older and adults only need one flu shot every flu season.

    More Related Answers from Pediatric Associates
    You should get the flu shot in the early fall, in order to have protection for the entire flu season. Most people only need one flu shot every flu season. In children under nine years old who are getting the flu shot for the first time, a booster... More
  5. American Diabetes Association
     
    The best time to get your flu shot is beginning in September. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect. If you have a cold or other respiratory illness, wait until you are healthy again before having your flu shot.
    More Related Answers from American Diabetes Association
    The best time to get your flu shot is beginning in September. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect. If you have a cold or other respiratory illness, wait until you are healthy again before having your flu shot. More
  6. Dr. Libby Kelly
     
    The best time to get the vaccine is in October, before the flu season starts. The next best time is in November, but if that is not possible, getting a flu vaccine at anytime during the flu season will still help, even through the spring season. Children under 9 years old who are getting the vaccine for the first time need two doses, one month apart.
    More Related Answers from Intermountain Healthcare
    The best time to get the vaccine is in October, before the flu season starts. The next best time is in November, but if that is not possible, getting a flu vaccine at anytime during the flu season will still help, even through the spring... More
  7. UCLA Health
     
    UCLA Health answered:
    Zachary Rubin, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, notes, “Even if you got last year’s shot, you need to get it again.” That’s because the effects of the influenza vaccine wane with time. In fact, for some individuals, the immunity lasts only a few months. For that reason, Dr. Rubin recommends that when feasible, patients wait to get their shot until just before the onset of the flu season. The vaccine becomes available in August or September.
    More Related Answers from UCLA Health
    Zachary Rubin, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, notes, “Even if you got last year’s shot, you need to get it again.” That’s because the effects of the influenza vaccine... More