There’s a common misconception that getting the flu vaccine is only beneficial in the fall. But flu season lasts well into the spring – and getting a late-season flu shot is better than not getting one at all!
You haven’t missed out on the opportunity to protect yourself and others. Read on to learn when flu season peaks, the benefits of getting your flu shot (even in January), and why flu shots are safe.
Flu season typically runs October through May, but peak flu season usually runs from December through February. Peak season coincides with the increase of indoor gatherings due to the cold weather. While health officials typically recommend getting your annual flu shot by the end of October, you haven’t missed your chance to get protected.
How long does a flu shot last?
Flu shots are designed to last for about six months, or the duration of a typical flu season. Since it only takes about two weeks for the flu (influenza) vaccine to take full effect, getting a shot even in early to mid-January will still provide protection from the high-risk weeks ahead.
Can you get a flu shot if you’re sick?
If you are experiencing mild cold symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat, it is fine to get your flu shot. However, if you are experiencing more intense symptoms like fever, vomiting or body aches, it’s best to postpone your vaccination until you are fever-free and your symptoms are mild or gone.
This allows your immune system to be at its best, ensuring you build the strongest protection possible. Also, getting your shot while you’re currently sick won’t speed up your recovery from your current illness.
Vaccinations remain our most effective method of controlling and preventing influenza infections:
Reduced severity
Even if you get the flu after vaccination, studies show the shot significantly lowers your risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death – which is especially critical during peak flu season.
Protecting vulnerable neighbors
Protecting vulnerable neighbors by creating “herd immunity” is essential to community health. By getting vaccinated, you’re doing your part to protect those at higher risk of flu complications, such as infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Waning immunity
For anyone who got a flu shot way back in August or September, the vaccine’s effectiveness may begin to wane by February. For those who are still unvaccinated, a January shot provides fresh, peak protection through the remainder of the flu season.
The flu is common, in 2024 approximately 40 million cases were reported in the U.S. The good news: the flu shot is the safest and most effective preventive measure.
Questioning the safety of the vaccine? Learn the facts:
Evaluation and testing
FDA scientists and physicians perform rigorous testing to determine the safety and effectiveness of influenza vaccines. A vaccine must meet the FDA’s scientific and regulatory standards to receive FDA approval.
A year-round initiative
Before the next flu season begins, the FDA convenes an advisory committee to review data about which flu viruses caused disease in the past year, how the viruses are changing, and what flu virus strains should be included in vaccines for the upcoming flu season.
You can’t get the flu from the shot
The flu vaccine works by triggering your immune system to produce antibodies that help prevent severe illness. Because the vaccine contains inactivated (killed) viruses or purified viral proteins, it cannot cause flu infection.
Effective prevention
Annually, flu vaccinations prevent almost 10 million flu-related illnesses and 8,000 deaths in the United States, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
With flu season in full swing, if you still haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s not too late!
Before visiting vybe, check with your insurance provider to confirm any out-of-pocket costs. Most major insurance plans in Pennsylvania cover the flu shot at no cost.
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