The CDC typically releases one flu vaccine a year, and it's meant to protect you throughout the season.
It recommends people over the age of 6 months get vaccinated by the end of October. Doctors say it’s not too soon to get vaccinated now.
“It’s definitely not too soon to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Patricia Garcia, a physician at Connecticut Children’s.
She said for most people, the sooner you get a shot is better. However, if you’re older, the vaccine may work better and longer if you hold off.
“People older than 65 might want to wait a little bit longer and talk to their doctor about that, but if you’re a younger person you can totally get your flu shot now,” she said. “You want to be vaccinated before the flu starts coming out in Connecticut, so now is definitely a good time.”
When it comes to vaccinating children, Garcia said do your research.
“If you don’t have a regular doctor, it’s best to check before you go to like a CVS or a Walgreens, to make sure that they can give flu shots to younger children,” Dr. Garcia said.
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The CDC advises that children ages 6 months to 8-years-old, who have never had the vaccine before, need two doses. They recommend they get them as soon as the shot becomes available, so they can get the second dose about a month later.
