As winter approaches and the cold air starts to bite, flu season is once again upon us. While many may believe they’ve missed the optimal time to get their flu shot, health experts are keen on reminding the public that it is not too late to vaccinate.

Influenza can cause serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, and those with certain chronic health conditions. A flu shot is your best defense against this highly infectious illness. Typically, flu vaccines are designed to protect against the three or four influenza viruses research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people at high risk of flu complications, including pregnant women, older adults, and young children.

But when is the best time to get vaccinated? Ideally, you should aim to get your flu shot by the end of October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even into January or later. The protection provided by the vaccine takes about two weeks to kick in and lasts several months to a full season.

Apart from the seasonal influenza vaccine, it’s also crucial to consider COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as determined by public health guidance. As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations remains another layer of essential protection.

For individuals who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccine or booster shots yet, it’s important to note that you can safely receive both the influenza vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

To sum up:

– It’s not too late to get a flu shot. You can—and should—get vaccinated as long as flu viruses are circulating.

– The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone over 6 months old.

– The ideal time for flu vaccination is by the end of October, but later is better than never.

– Stay updated with your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

– Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered together.

Remember that getting your vaccines on time will help protect you throughout the entire season. And if you’re ever in doubt about which vaccines you need or when it’s best to have them administered, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Don’t wait; vaccinate!