Why It’s Better to Get a Flu Shot Now Rather Than Later

• Experts say getting a flu shot now can bolster your immune system early before the flu season is fully under way.
• They say even people who are relatively healthy should get the vaccination to prevent spreading the disease to others.
• They also note that flu vaccinations help keep the healthcare system from becoming overloaded.

The best time to get your annual flu shot is now.

That’s the advice from experts who say the beginning of autumn is not too early to get your annual vaccination against influenza.

“From now on through October into the first couple of weeks in November is the optimal time to be vaccinated against the flu,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting the flu shot by the end of October to prepare for peak influenza season, which is typically in February.

The CDC has this recommendation in place for anyone above the age of 6 months.

Schaffner tells Healthline that, even if you don’t get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s not too late.