Who should get a flu shot this fall? What experts recommend for the upcoming season

October kicks off the flu season in the United States. And while health experts are forecasting a moderate one, it’s still recommended that everyone who is eligible to get a flu shot should do so.

Although it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get come down with the flu, it can help prevent severe cases of the disease and lower the risk of hospitalization. Most cases are mild, but even among healthy people the flu can cause serious complications and thousands die from the illness each year.

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC advises that “everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions.” The health agency notes that “vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.”

Generally, only those who are less than six-months-old or have “severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a vaccine,” should not get the vaccine.

There are different flu shots that have been approved by the CDC for different ages. You should consult a health professional if you have any concerns about vaccination.

When should I get vaccinated?

You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins.

However, even if you’ve put it off you can still get one during the height of the flu season which hits around January into February.

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