For the best protection, the ideal time to get a flu shot is in September or October, before flu activity is high in your community. Vaccination after October 31st is still beneficial and recommended, as the risk of flu may continue through May. Avoid flu vaccination in August, as early vaccination can lead to a drop in protection if viruses circulate later in the season.
Flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, and is especially important for these groups:
- adults age 65 and older
- children younger than 5
- people with chronic health conditions
- people with weakened immune systems
- pregnant women
- caregivers
Influenza is a viral infection that spreads mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Symptoms typically begin a few days after exposure and last 5-7 days. Symptoms can include:
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
- fever
- upset stomach (mostly in children)
Regular and high dose vaccine (for people over 65) is available and can be administered with most other desired vaccines, such as shingles, Tdap, covid, RSV, or pneumococcal vaccines. To schedule, please call your local SIPH office.