Many patients want to know “Is January too late for a flu shot? In a perfect world, everyone would receive their flu shot in September or October in time to prepare for when flu season starts and definitely before peak flu season between December and February. While the number of cases begins to taper off after Winter, flu season can last until May. This means, getting a flu shot, even as late as February will be beneficial to you.
Should I get a flu shot if I’m sick with a cold?
If you are feeling under the weather with a mild cold, you should still be okay to receive a flu shot. However, it’s always a good idea to check-in with a healthcare provider before scheduling your flu shot, just to be safe. If you are sick and have a high fever or feel any serious symptoms of illness, such as nausea or body aches, you will likely be advised to wait before receiving a flu shot.
Should I get a flu shot if I have already had the flu this season?
Just like Covid, there are several different flu strains that a person can catch. This means, getting a flu shot may be able to protect you from a different strain, helping you to avoid getting sick again. Schedule an appointment with a member of our team for your flu shot this season.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
It is suggested for nearly everyone to get the flu vaccine. This vaccine will not cause the flu and it helps keep both children and adults from getting ill. Getting the flu is more severe than having a cold and it can make a person sick for a week or more.
Every individuals that is 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated before the start of each flu season, with very few exceptions. If you are unsure if you should be vaccinated speak with your primary care physician. Some people are more vulnerable to complications from the flu, such as the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and people with medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Getting a flu vaccine is especially important for them and for those who live with them.
Babies younger than 6 months are not able to get the vaccine. This makes it especially important for the other members of their household to get a vaccination, in order to reduce the risk of the infant becoming seriously ill.
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
The following individuals should not get a flu shot:
- Infants younger than 6 months of age: Babies do not have a fully developed immune system, this makes it difficult for their bodies to respond to the vaccine.
- Those who have had a previous life-threatening allergic reaction to the flu vaccine or its components, including gelatin
- Anyone with a very high fever or who was recently admitted to the hospital at the time of vaccination
In short, is January too late for a flu shot? No. The cdc recommends getting vaccinated by October, however, late is better than never. Schedule an appointment with our team to get your flu shot and to get on track with your health. Our team of physicians work with you to provide quality medical care in a comfortable environment for you and your family.
Supreme Medical Center in Houston
When it comes to getting better fast, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your physician at the first sign of illness. At Supreme Medical Center our doctors work with you to treat your symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself in no time.
Supreme Medical Center
350 N Sam Houston Pkwy E
Suite B240
Houston, TX 77060
281-809-5470
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