With the end of summer comes cold and flu season. Around this time each year pharmacies and doctors’ offices across the country start advertising vaccination clinics where people can get a flu shot to better protect themselves and their loved ones from the influenza virus. But figuring out when to get the flu shot, and perhaps even more important, the best time to get the flu shot, can be tricky. Ahead, healthcare experts explain when to get your flu shot and answer all of your questions about the 2023 flu vaccine.
When to get the flu shot
While you may not be excited about adding another item to your already busy fall to-do list, Vicent Hsu, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and infection control officer for AdventHealth, says that the best time to get your flu shot is as soon as it becomes available in your area. Typically, the shots become available in September or October, just as cold and flu season begins to rear its ugly head.
“Even if you miss that window, you will still get protection by getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season, which generally peaks between December and February and can last up to May,” he explains.
Although Dr. Hsu says you can’t really be too late when getting your shot since it will still give you some protection even if done later than recommended, Christina Madison, Pharm.D., F.C.C.P, Founder and CEO of The Public Health Pharmacist says there is such thing as being too early. “Vaccination is not recommended in July and August,” she says, adding that you really should try to get it done before October 31st.
Who should get the flu shot?
Everyone over six months old should get a flu vaccine, according to our experts. There are very few exceptions to that list, according to Dr. Hsu, who notes that patients who have had previous severe allergic reactions to the vaccination are among the few who can consider skipping it.
“There are different vaccines for different age groups, so your provider will give you the vaccine that is appropriate for your age group,” he continues. “People 65 and older are recommended to get the high-dose formulation. If you have any questions about which vaccine you should be getting, it’s best to ask your doctor.”
The recommendations for the opposite end of that spectrum, like children under the age of eight, varies a bit according to Mark W. Kline, M.D., pediatrician, and infectious diseases specialist who serves as the physician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “Children six months to eight years of age who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of the vaccine,” he says, explaining that vaccination at this age can reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death in children. “It also helps prevent transmission of influenza to family and friends, including infants less than six months of age who are too young to be vaccinated.”
When will this year’s flu shot be available?
The vaccine is already commercially available for the 2023-2024 cold and flu season, according to both Dr. Hsu and Madison, which means the clock has already started ticking when it comes to their recommended window of opportunity.
Is there anything different about this year’s flu shot?
Although the influenza vaccine always contains 2A and 2B strains, Dr. Hsu says the strain compositions for this season are different from previous years based on what is circulating. This is part of the reason why he says it’s so important to get your annual vaccination since each year you’ll be given a different formula that will target the most likely strains for the year.
Another change this year has to do with the end of recommendations for those with food allergies. “Also, this year the CDC has stated that any patients with egg allergy can receive any egg-based or nonegg-based vaccine without need for special monitoring,” Dr. Hsu continues.
Madison says there will also be egg-free formulations and dosing recommendations “specifically for seniors and immunocompromised persons” this year. “All of the influenza vaccines will be available as a quadrivalent vaccine for 2023-2024.”
Should I get the flu shot every year?
Yes. The virus strains that cause the flu are constantly changing, Dr. Hsu says, so the vaccines are updated from one season to the next to try and prevent illness in as many people as possible. “Also, the protection the vaccine provides declines over time, so getting a shot every year re-ups that protection,” Dr. Hsu says.
What types of flu vaccinations are available this year?
People will have access to two different vaccination methods this year, according to the experts. “The injectable vaccine is available for children and adults six months of age or older,” Dr. Kline says. “A nasal spray vaccine is available for people two to 49 years of age.”
While many people may prefer skipping the shot in favor of the nasal spray, it’s not for everyone. “People who are pregnant, children two to four years of age with asthma or wheezing, people with weakened immune systems, and those with a variety of other medical conditions should not get the nasal spray vaccine,” Dr. Kline says. If you’re unsure of what will be the best option for you, Dr. Kline suggests consulting your doctor for recommendations.
Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living, and more. She has three small children, a husband, and an over eager dog at home. When she's not writing she likes to work in her garden with her family.
