When should I get the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 vaccine?

You should get the seasonal flu shot as soon as it's available. It will protect against two strains of influenza as well as the H1N1 virus.

After you get the vaccine, it may take two weeks for your body to build up antibodies to the virus. Flu season can start as early as October, so the sooner you get the vaccine, the better, although since flu season can last until May, getting the vaccine in December or even later may still protect you from infection. If you're currently sick with any illness, your doctor may recommend that you wait until you're well to be vaccinated.