Buzz
As the final days of summer slip by, you may already be thinking about flu season. The flu shots have arrived—Rite Aid has announced that they are now offering seasonal flu shots at all 2,466 of their pharmacies.
Everyone who can should get vaccinated against the flu each year. But is it advisable to get the flu shot right now? The answer isn’t simple.
You’ll want to get your flu shot before the flu season hits your area. However, there are some potential downsides to getting vaccinated too early. According to CDC experts, numerous studies indicate that flu vaccine effectiveness can decrease as the season progresses. Since doctors can’t predict when flu season will peak, those vaccinated in August may have reduced protection if flu season peaks late, for example, in early April.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that for both typical and late flu seasons, waiting until October for a flu shot can be especially beneficial for older adults, potentially saving hundreds of lives. However, there’s a risk that flu season might arrive earlier than expected, so Dr. Kenneth J. Smith, the study's lead author, describes it as 'a balancing act.' (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that everyone over six months old should get their flu shot by the end of October.)
No matter what, an early flu shot is always better than none. So, if the vaccine is available near you now and you think you may not be able to return later, it’s wise to go ahead and get vaccinated. There are also some individuals, such as certain children who need two doses of the vaccine, who should definitely get the flu shot as soon as possible.
