Buzz
With so many people around you falling ill, and the thought of missing work if you catch something, you might be regretting not getting a flu shot this year. Is it still possible to get one? It helps to eat well, sleep enough, and wash your hands regularly, but is it too late for the flu shot?
Good news: If the flu is still spreading, it’s never too late for a flu shot. Even if the vaccine isn’t an exact match, it’s still worth getting. The only way it could be considered “too late” is if you wait too long and pharmacies run out of the vaccine. Be sure to call ahead to check availability.
Check the Centers for Disease Control’s data on flu activity for the current season. There’s still a significant amount of flu yet to come. In most years, flu activity peaks in February, though each season can vary. The flu shot takes about two weeks to become effective, so the earlier you get it, the better. That’s why it’s ideal to get the shot before flu season begins so you're protected when it hits your area. (That two-week window also explains why some people feel like the flu shot gave them the flu or believe it didn’t work: if you caught the flu within those two weeks, the shot didn’t have enough time to kick in.)
What if the flu vaccine doesn't match the strains circulating this year? You'll still get a decent amount of protection. According to the CDC's data from the past decade (this year’s numbers aren't available yet), the lowest effectiveness in recent years was 19% during the 2014-2015 season, which is still much better than no protection at all. In a good year, like 2010-2011, effectiveness can reach 60%. The average effectiveness over the past ten years is 44%.
Think about it: You could be protected against nearly half of the flu strains out there, for free, or take your chances with the flu—either by catching it yourself or spreading it to others. It’s a clear choice.
One more thing about the misconception that healthy people don’t need the flu shot: The people most at risk for flu complications include young children under 5, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. If you have any of these individuals in your life, your flu could easily become their flu.
