FAQs
It takes about two weeks for your immune system to create enough antibodies to help protect you from the flu. If you're considering getting a flu shot later in the flu season but are worried that it's too late to get a flu shot—if there's any flu activity occurring, then it's not too late at all.
Can you get a flu shot anytime during the year? ›
The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season. For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated. Vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most adults but can be considered for some groups.
Is it too late to get a flu shot in March 2024? ›
So, if you haven't been vaccinated yet, it still makes sense to do so through the end of February, and maybe even into early March, he said. There would also be "no harm" in getting vaccinated after March or April, considering that influenza viruses circulate all year round, Kuritzkes said.
Is it too late to get vaccinated? ›
It is not too late to get vaccinated if you haven't received the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
What are flu season months? ›
The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.
How late is too late for a flu shot? ›
CDC recommends that flu vaccination efforts continue throughout the flu season. While the sooner you get vaccinated the more likely you are to be protected against the flu when activity picks up in your community, vaccination into December and beyond can be beneficial during most flu seasons.
When is the best month to get a flu shot? ›
A Flu Vaccine Is the Best Prevention
The CDC recommends that people ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Even if you wait until after October, the vaccine will still be beneficial and provide protection. For more information on the CDC's flu vaccine recommendations, visit this CDC page.
How long does the flu shot last? ›
Yes, the flu shot wears off in about six months. The flu shot does not provide long-lasting protection, which is another reason we need to get one every year. When should I get a flu shot? We typically suggest getting the flu shot in the early fall, before the virus starts circulating in the community.
Is it a bad idea to get a flu shot when you're sick? ›
The CDC advises that it is still safe to get the flu shot even when a person has milder illnesses or the following symptoms: a mild fever. mild diarrhea. cold symptoms.
Is the flu shot working well this year? ›
Officials with the federal health agency said that the findings from their report show that the flu shot for the 2023 to 2024 season is effective at reducing the risk of flu-related doctor's visits and hospitalizations. Overall, this season's flu shot effectiveness is about the same as previous years.
Delaying or spreading out vaccine doses leaves your child unprotected during the time when they need vaccine protection the most. For example, diseases such as Hib or pneumococcus almost always occur in the first 2 years of a baby's life.
Is it too late to have a flu jab? ›
Even then it's not too late for you and your family to get the flu vaccine. Many health care providers give flu vaccines through May if the flu virus is still circulating. Getting a missed flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel.
What vaccines last for life? ›
Some viruses are relatively huge while others are tiny in comparison, some use RNA while others use DNA—they are very, very different organisms.” Yancey said that for vaccines that “last a lifetime,” which include vaccines for measles or hepatitis B, the viruses themselves tend to be uniform when they replicate.
What new virus is going around 2024? ›
First case of A(H1N2)v virus in the US in 2024
Variant influenza A virus infections are novel influenza A virus infections. A novel influenza A virus is an influenza A virus that is different from seasonal influenza A viruses spreading among people.
When is flu season the worst? ›
Seasonal variation in deaths due to influenza or pneumonia in 122 U.S. cities, as a proportion of all causes. In the United States, the flu season is considered October through May. It typically reaches an apex in February, with a seasonal baseline varying between 6.1% and 7.7% of all deaths.
What are flu symptoms in 2024? ›
People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever*/feeling feverish or chills.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Flu Vaccination Can Be More or Less Than 12 Months Apart
roughly a year between flu vaccines. However, there is no added risk if your shot falls less than 12 months apart, and receiving a flu shot every flu season is advisable regardless of whether they are 11 months apart or 15 months apart.
Is flu shot annual or seasonal? ›
The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older each flu season. September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu shot. We cover additional flu shots if medically necessary.
Is it better to get flu shot early in the season? ›
Dr. Starmer adds, “While it's commonly recommended to get the flu shot in the early fall, getting vaccinated later in the season is still beneficial. The flu season can extend into spring, so even getting vaccinated in January or later can provide protection. It's better to get vaccinated late than not at all.”
How long does the flu last if you had a flu shot? ›
Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days. For people who've had a flu shot, the symptoms may last a shorter amount of time, or be less severe. For other people, the symptoms may last longer. Even when symptoms resolve, you may continue to feel fatigued.
