Flu season brings reminders to get your flu shot, often starting in August with texts from pharmacies like CVS or public service announcements on the news.
Some people like to plan ahead and mark their calendars, while others might forget and worry if it’s too late once flu cases start rising around the holidays.
But according to experts, Parade reports, there’s an ideal time to get your flu shot for the best protection.
Dr. Linda Yancey, an infection prevention expert from Memorial Hermann Health System, explains that the flu shot’s protection starts to fade after about four months, so timing is important.
You’ll get the best protection in the months right after your shot, meaning it’s ideal to get vaccinated in September or October. This timing ensures your protection lasts through flu season, which often peaks in December or January.
Dr. Edward Liu from Jersey Shore University Medical Center adds that getting the shot by the end of October is recommended by the CDC.
In New York, for example, flu season typically starts in November, so a September or October shot will help protect you when cases peak. Even if you miss this window, it’s still better to get vaccinated late than not at all, as Parade shares.
For those who like to plan, Dr. Yancey says it’s good to get the shot early if you’re going back to school, traveling, or starting treatments that could weaken your immune system.
Pregnant women should talk to their doctors about getting the flu shot in the third trimester to pass immunity to their babies. Some high-risk people, like those with lung disease, might even need a second shot later in the season.
So, while most people should aim to get their flu shot in September or October, it’s always best to check with your doctor to figure out the best timing for you.
As Parade explains, if you miss the “perfect” window, it’s still worth getting vaccinated at any point between August and March.
https://parade.com/health/exact-best-time-to-get-flu-shot-according-to-infecitous-disease-experts