Too Late for a Flu Shot?

Although the flu vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full-force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus.

Even though it's ideal to get vaccinated early, the flu shot can still be helpful later. Even as late as January, there are still 2 or 3 months left in the flu season, so it's still a good idea to get protection.

In times when the vaccine is in short supply, certain people need it more than others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often will recommend that certain high-risk groups be given priority when flu shot supplies are limited. Call your doctor or local public health department about vaccine availability in your area.

Who Is Considered High Risk?

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the CDC currently recommend that these high-risk groups be given the flu shot:

• kids 6–59 months old
• anyone 50 years and older
• women who will be Steven Dowshen, MD
  Date reviewed: October 2007