As the flu season approaches, health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible to guard against influenza. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most individuals receive their flu shot between September and October, with ideal vaccination occurring by the end of October. However, certain groups, including seniors over 65 and pregnant women, should wait until September to ensure the vaccine’s effectiveness. Some children may need two doses, with the first dose available as early as July or August, depending on their age and vaccination history.
The CDC highlights that vaccination should continue throughout the season, as flu viruses can circulate for several months. The agency also notes that it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, ensuring protection during periods of high flu activity, such as school terms and the holiday season. Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital that ‘the time to get a flu shot is over the next month or two.’ He added that ‘the flu shot lasts six to nine months, and flu season generally peaks in January or February,’ emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination to prevent complications and reduce the spread of the virus.
A spokesperson from Walgreens reiterated the CDC’s recommendations, urging individuals to get vaccinated before the end of October but also noting that vaccination should continue throughout the season as long as flu viruses are circulating. ‘It takes about two weeks after the vaccine for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu,’ the spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital. ‘Getting your vaccine now ensures that you and your loved ones have the best protection as kids are back in school and as we enter the holiday season.’ These guidelines are part of broader public health efforts to manage the flu season, which is expected to be particularly active this year, given the overlap with the ongoing pandemic and the potential for new viral variants to emerge.
Health authorities are also reminding parents and caregivers that children as young as 6 months old can receive the flu vaccine, with specific dosing requirements for those under 9 years old who have not received enough shots previously. For these children, the first dose can be administered as soon as it’s available, with the second dose given at least four weeks later. This early vaccination strategy is designed to protect both the child and the community, especially since young children are at higher risk for severe flu complications. Overall, the CDC’s guidance underscores the critical role of vaccination in preventing illness, reducing hospitalizations, and mitigating the impact of flu outbreaks on public health systems.