Why You Want to Get Your Flu Shot Early

Getting influenza (the flu) can put even healthy adults down for weeks. Unfortunately, in severe cases, it can even cause hospitalization or death. However, the most effective way to reduce your flu risk is by getting your flu shot every year.

According to family practice physician Jean Welsh, MD, you can protect yourself by getting your flu shot in the early fall. Find out why September and October are the best months to get your flu vaccine at Primary & Alternative Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Defining the flu season

You can catch the flu virus at any time of year. However, you’re far more likely to contract it during the cold winter months.

The flu season typically begins in October and lasts through March. Cases of the flu peak in December, January, and February.

Who can get the flu shot?

Almost everyone six months and older is eligible for a flu vaccine. However, check with our team to see if you can safely get the vaccine if: 

• You have life-threatening allergies to any ingredients in the flu shot
• You had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

The flu shot is especially recommended for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone immunocompromised.  Our team determines at your appointment if you or your child are a good candidate for the flu shot.

When to get the flu shot

You need to get the flu shot yearly to remain protected. Every year, experts create a new flu vaccine that offers the most protection against the dominant strains of the flu that year.

Once you get the vaccine, it takes about two weeks to be effective and lasts six months. Ideally, you should get your vaccine in September or October to have time for the vaccine to work and achieve maximum protection throughout the flu season.

If you get the flu vaccine during the summer, you might not be protected for the entire flu season. Alternatively, if you get your vaccine after October, you’re vulnerable to the flu earlier in the season.

However, if it’s November or later and you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s better to get the vaccine late than not at all. 

Get the entire family vaccinated against the flu

As a family practice specialist, Dr. Welsh provides expert care at every stage of life, from early childhood to old age. She can give the flu vaccine to every eligible member of your family.

Dr. Welsh can also help your family take additional measures to prevent the flu based on your household’s needs. This is especially important if anyone in your family is at high risk of complications from the flu or can’t get the vaccine.

This fall, start the colder months of the year healthfully by getting your flu vaccine. Contact us to schedule flu shots for the whole family.