As the chill in the air becomes more pronounced and the days grow shorter, health experts agree that flu season is once again upon us. Hence, it’s that time of the year to talk about one of the most effective preventive measures against influenza: getting vaccinated with a flu shot.

Timing is crucial when it comes to vaccination. The best time to get your flu shot is before flu begins spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. Therefore, getting vaccinated early in the fall, ideally by the end of October, is advised. However, even if you miss this period, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial.

The composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match circulating flu viruses. For the current year, vaccinations have been updated to better match viruses expected to be circulating in the U.S. during the winter.

Health officials urge everyone six months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every season with rare exception. The vaccine reduces the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death due to influenza. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu – including older people, very young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

In addition to encouraging vaccinations as public health policy, individuals should take personal responsibility for getting their shot at the right time. It’s not just for their own protection; it’s an act of community service. People with regular contact with populations at risk should see getting a flu shot as a priority.

To conclude, while availability extends throughout the fall and winter months, ideally you should aim to get your flu shot by the end of October. Remember that it’s never too late to vaccinate—so if you haven’t yet received your dose for this year’s flu season, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Support your immune system in its fight against influenza and contribute to a healthier community by adhering to this simple yet essential healthcare measure.