Is It Too Early to Get the Flu Shot?
As you bask in the final weeks of summer, I’m sure you’re thinking about one thing: flu shots. They’re Here – Rite Aid just announced that seasonal flu shots are available at all 2,466 of its pharmacies.
Everyone who can should get the flu shot every year . But is it worth doing it right now ? The answer is a bit tricky.
Make sure you get vaccinated ahead of time if the flu gets infected in your area. But getting vaccinated too early can have potential disadvantages. Several studies have shown that influenza vaccines lose their effectiveness during flu season, according to CDC experts . Doctors cannot predict when the peak of the flu season will come, and if it happens late, say early April, those who received the vaccine in August may have lower levels of protection at the most dangerous times.
An analysis by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that waiting until October to get vaccinated during regular and late flu seasons can be beneficial for older adults and even save hundreds of lives. There is a risk that the flu season may come earlier, which is why lead author Dr. Kenneth J. Smith calls this “balancing action.” (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over six months of age get the flu shot by the end of October .)
Anyway, getting an early flu shot is better than not getting a flu shot, so if a vaccine is available near you now and you think you might not be coming back later, it’s best to just do it. In addition, there are people who absolutely need to get the flu shot as soon as possible, including some children who will need two doses of the vaccine .