Flu season runs from October to May,
with most cases happening from late December to early March. But the flu
vaccine is usually offered from September until mid-November. Getting vaccinated
before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up
immunity to (protection from) the virus.
Even though it's best to get vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available,
getting the vaccine later can still be helpful. Even as late as January, there are
still a few months left in the flu season, so it's still a good idea to get protected.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. It's especially
important for people who are at greater risk of developing health problems from the flu
to get vaccinated. They include:
- all kids 6 months through 4 years old (babies younger than 6 months are also considered
high risk, but they cannot receive the flu vaccine)
- anyone 65 years and older
- all women who are pregnant, are considering pregnancy, have recently given birth,
or are breastfeeding during flu season
- anyone whose immune system is weakened from medications or illnesses (like HIV
infection)
- residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
- anyone (adults, teens, and kids) with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma
- kids or teens who take aspirin regularly and are at risk for developing Reye
syndrome if they get the flu
- caregivers or household contacts of anyone in a high-risk group (like children
younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 6 months, and those with high-risk
conditions)
- Native Americans and Alaskan Natives
Kids under 9 years old will receive two doses this flu season if they have received
fewer than two doses of flu vaccine before July 2018. This includes kids who are getting
the flu vaccine for the first time. Those under 9 who have received at least two doses
of flu vaccine previously (in the same or different seasons) will only need one dose.
Kids older than 9 only need one dose of the vaccine.
It can take 1 to 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective, so it's best
to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
What Are the Types of Flu Vaccine?
Different types of vaccines are available. One type (called trivalent) protects
against three strains of the flu virus (usually, two types of influenza A viruses
and one influenza B virus). Another (called quadrivalent) protects against four strains.
The vaccine is given to kids by injection with a needle (the flu shot) or by nasal
spray (FluMist®). The flu shot is preferred for children of all ages because it
has been shown to be safe and effective. The nasal spray vaccine was not recommended
for the last two flu seasons because it didn't work as well as the shot. A new version
of it is now recommended for the 2018–2019 flu season for kids who otherwise
might not get a flu shot (for example, if a child is afraid of needles or if the flu
shot isn't available at the doctor's office). The nasal spray is only for healthy
people ages 2 through 49. People with weakened immune systems or some health conditions
(such as asthma) and pregnant women should not get the nasal spray
vaccine.
Who Shouldn't Get the Flu Vaccine?
Certain things might prevent a person from getting the vaccine. Talk to your doctor
to see if the vaccine is still recommended if your child:
In the past, it was recommended that anyone with an egg allergy talk to a doctor
about whether receiving the flu vaccine was safe because it is grown inside eggs.
But health experts now say that the amount of egg allergen in the vaccine is so tiny
that it is safe even for kids with a severe egg allergy. This is especially important
during a severe flu season.
Still, a child with an egg allergy should get the flu shot in a doctor's office,
not at a supermarket, drugstore, or other venue.
If your child is sick and has a fever, talk to your doctor about rescheduling the
flu vaccine.
Are There Side Effects?
Most people do not have any side effects from the flu shot. Some have soreness
or swelling at the site of the shot or mild side effects, such as headache or low-grade
fever.
Where Can My Family Get the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is available at:
- many health care settings, including doctors' offices and public, employee, and
university health clinics
- some pharmacies
- some supermarkets
- some community groups or centers
- some schools
If you have an HMO insurance plan, be sure to check with your primary care doctor
before having your kids vaccinated outside the office, since most HMOs will pay for
shots only if they're given through their plan.
The flu vaccine is covered by Medicare for senior citizens and is generally
covered by insurance for people in other high-risk groups. Otherwise, the vaccine may
cost anywhere from $10 to $50.
Date reviewed: September 2018
