The fall and winter time bring with them the onslaught of various sicknesses. While these sicknesses can just be a minor annoyance for some, they can cause severe symptoms for those who are immunocompromised. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, you’re probably wondering if January is too late to get the flu shot. Let’s take a look!
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that each person receive their flu shot by the end of October. Early vaccination helps keep you protected for a longer period of time and helps minimize the flu virus if you do contract it.
However, if you haven’t yet received your flu vaccine, it is not too late! It is better late than never when it comes to getting your flu shot. That means that if you haven’t gotten it by the end of December, it is not too late.
When does the flu season start?
The flu season technically never ends because the flu virus is detected in the United States all year. However, the bulk of flu cases occurs between October and Ma,y with them peaking in December and January.
Who should get the flu shot?
Adults should consider receiving an annual flu shot, especially those with health conditions. This is because contracting the flu can be very serious for those who have poor immune systems and preexisting conditions. Pregnant women can also receive the flu vaccine, but they should first consult their practitioner to find out which shot they should get.
Children six months and older can also get the flu shot. If you have questions about this, ask your pediatrician if this is recommended for your child.
It is important to remember that several different types of flu vaccines are available each year. That means that different vaccines are available for different age groups of people.
Should I get the flu shot every year?
The flu virus changes each year. That means the flu vaccine must be updated annually to best fight against the current strain. After you receive the flu vaccine, your protection declines over time. These are the two reasons why it is recommended that you receive the new flu shot each year.
Where can I get my flu shot?
Flu shots are given in many different locations and are easy to get. A few places that many offer annual flu shots include the following:
- Your doctor’s office
- Large chain pharmacies
- Urgent care
- Flu shot clinics at hospitals and community centers
- Your local health department
Should I get the flu shot even if I already had the flu this year?
Yes. Even if you already contracted the flu this year but did not receive the flu vaccine, you should still get the shot. This is because the vaccine covers different strains of the flu and will possibly prevent you from getting another strain.
Fast Access to Health Professionals
If you are looking for a doctor’s office to receive your flu shot in, UBERDOC can help! UBERDOC allows you to get the care you need in an easy and affordable way. We offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments, ensuring that you have access to the healthcare you need, no matter how busy or restrictive your day is. To find out more about how UBERDOC can help you, contact us today!
