Buzz
Flu season is here again, and once more, the flu vaccine is a crucial one to get. With fewer people wearing masks, it’s likely that more common respiratory viruses will circulate. So, why not safeguard yourself with a vaccine that’s both safe and effective?
When the flu shot is well matched to the strains in circulation, its effectiveness is typically 40% to 60% in preventing flu, according to CDC data. The vaccine also lowers your risk of severe illness if you do contract the flu—similar to the COVID vaccines. While no vaccine offers absolute protection, you’re far better off being vaccinated than not.
The CDC advises that everyone, starting at 6 months old, receive a flu shot annually.
What choices do I have available?
This year's flu shots are all quadrivalent, which means they prepare your immune system to defend against four different strains of the flu. Previously, some vaccines only covered three. These standard flu shots are typically administered through an arm injection and are created by growing the virus in chicken eggs.
Two flu vaccines are made using egg-free methods: Flublok Quadrivalent and Flucelvax Quadrivalent. For those allergic to eggs, most vaccines are safe, but the egg-free options are available if you prefer them.
There are also two flu vaccines specially formulated for individuals aged 65 and older. One is high-dose (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent) and the other is adjuvanted (Fluad Quadrivalent). Both are designed to trigger a more robust immune response compared to standard flu vaccines. More details about these shots can be found here.
The nasal spray vaccine, FluMist Quadrivalent, is also available again this year. It is a “live, attenuated” flu vaccine, meaning the viruses it contains can reproduce in the nose but not at the higher temperatures found in the lungs. It's suitable for those aged 2 to 49 who are not pregnant and don't have weakened immune systems. There are other contraindications—check out the CDC's page on live attenuated flu vaccines for more information on who can and cannot use it. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended the injectable vaccine over the nasal spray in previous years, both options are included in their recommendations this year.
When is the best time to get it?
Flu season can start at different times each year, but Halloween is often seen as the unofficial cutoff for getting your flu shot to ensure you're protected. September and October are typically the ideal months to receive your flu vaccination.
If you received your shot in July or August, that’s still fine, though the protection may start to decrease as the season progresses. If it's possible for you, getting vaccinated closer to the start of flu season is recommended.
Children between 6 months and 8 years old should receive two doses of the flu vaccine if it's their first time or if they had only one dose prior to July 2022. These doses should be spaced four weeks apart. To ensure they’re ready for flu season, aim for the first dose early enough that the second can be given in time. For example, getting one dose in mid-September and the second in mid-October will prepare them. Next year, only one dose will be necessary.
If you miss getting your flu shot by the end of October, you can still get it later. It’s never “too late” as long as flu season is ongoing. The flu season usually peaks in February, and in some years, it can peak as late as March. Even a late flu shot will still protect you against any viruses you haven’t yet been exposed to. However, if you wait too long, pharmacies may run out of the vaccine by spring.
Is it possible for the flu shot to give me the flu?
No it cannot.
What if I’m also getting a COVID booster shot?
You can receive both your flu shot and the new bivalent COVID booster in the same visit. If you're getting a high-dose or adjuvanted flu shot, the CDC suggests using a separate arm for each vaccine. (Both may cause soreness and redness at the injection site.)
