My doctor's office started offering this season's flu vaccine in early August. Should I get it now or wait until closer to flu season?
Living Well Expert
Dr. Jennifer Shu
Pediatrician,
Children's Medical Group
Thanks for your question. The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended every season for anyone over the age of 6 months.
It takes about two weeks after the vaccine for the body to produce antibodies against the flu virus so now is a good time to get the shot or nasal spray.
Ask our expert doctors a question
In the United States, flu season may start as early as October and last through May, although flu activity typically doesn't peak until around January or February.
A flu vaccine is required each year because the strains often change from season to season.
Even if some or all of the strains in the vaccine (which are based on the virus strains expected to be found circulating in the community that season) are the same as you have received in the past, getting another shot or spray each season can help boost your immunity, because the vaccine's effects can wane with time -- usually on the order of several months to years.
If you have more questions about flu vaccines be sure to talk with your doctor or check out the CDC influenza page.
Previous question:
Are rabies shots needed for any bat exposure?« Back to Living Well
Next question:
Can melatonin prevent jet lag?
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.