When’s the Best Time To Get a Flu Shot in 2024?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, getting the flu vaccine before the flu spreads in your community is essential. The best time to get a flu shot is typically in October because it’s a good amount of time for antibodies to develop in the body in preparation for peak flu season. After receiving the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for the antibodies in the shot to develop in your body and protect you from the flu. 

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The Best Time to Get a Flu Shot 

The best time to get a flu shot is before the flu season begins at the end of October. Since flu season can last throughout April, getting vaccinated too early (July and August) can reduce your protection later in the year. 

Typical flu season tends to be between December and March. Although peak flu season varies from year to year, the peak of the flu season usually falls between December and February. Within the past 18 years, only three flu seasons have peaked in March: 2005-2006, 2011-2012, and 2015-2016. 

October has been seen as the prime month for extending immunity throughout the peak flu season and into March.