Fall is just around the corner, which means pumpkin spice, football, cooler mornings—and unfortunately, flu season.
If getting your flu shot has been sitting on your “I'll get to it” list, September is a great time to move it to the top.
As your pharmacist, I get a lot of questions about the flu vaccine every year. When should I get it? Do I really need it every year? Can the flu shot give me the flu? What if I'm healthy?
Let's clear up some of the most common questions before flu season gets into full swing.
Who should get a flu shot?
The short answer: almost everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year, unless they have a medical reason not to.
Flu isn't just a bad cold. Influenza can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and, in some cases, death. Vaccination can reduce your risk of getting sick and can also help reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu.
It's especially important for people who are at higher risk for serious flu complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
And don't forget about the people around you. Getting vaccinated can help protect family members, coworkers, friends, and others who may be more vulnerable to complications.
When should I get my flu shot?
For most people, September and October are ideal times to get vaccinated.
The goal is generally to have everyone vaccinated by the end of October. That doesn't mean you're out of luck if you miss that deadline, though. Flu vaccination can still be beneficial later in the season as long as flu viruses are circulating and vaccine is available.
Why not just get it as soon as it's available in July or August?
For most adults, especially adults 65 and older, getting vaccinated too early may mean that protection has more time to decrease before the end of the flu season. That's one reason September and October are generally preferred.
There are exceptions. For example, some children who need two doses should start vaccination as soon as vaccine is available because the doses need to be separated by at least four weeks.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear at the pharmacy.
The injectable flu vaccines used in the United States do not contain live flu virus capable of causing influenza illness. You may experience some soreness where you received the shot, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever afterward, but those reactions are generally mild and short-lived.
So if someone tells you they “got the flu from the flu shot,” what they experienced was not influenza caused by the vaccine.
You can, however, still catch a cold or another respiratory virus around the time you receive your flu vaccine. The timing can make it seem like the vaccine caused the illness, even though the two aren't connected.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
Because influenza doesn't sit still.
The viruses that circulate change over time, and the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed and updated to help protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the upcoming season. Protection also decreases over time.
For the 2026–2027 flu season, the U.S. flu vaccines have been updated compared with the previous season, including updates to all three vaccine components.
That's why last year's flu shot isn't a substitute for this year's.
What about people 65 and older?
If you're 65 or older, it's especially important to talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about which flu vaccine is appropriate for you.
For adults 65 and older, CDC guidance preferentially recommends certain higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccines when available and appropriate. These vaccines are designed to produce a stronger immune response in this age group.
Your pharmacist can help you determine which options are appropriate for your age and health situation.
Can I get my flu shot if I'm pregnant?
Yes. Flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy, and vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the mother and baby.
The timing can depend on the stage of pregnancy and the time of year, so if you're pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best timing and vaccine option for you.
What if I have an egg allergy?
This is another question we hear frequently.
According to the CDC, people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status. Additional safety measures based solely on an egg allergy are no longer recommended.
Of course, always let your pharmacist or healthcare provider know about your allergies and any previous reactions to vaccines.
Is it too late if I don't get vaccinated in September?
No.
While September and October are generally the preferred months for most people, later is better than skipping the flu vaccine altogether.
Flu activity can continue throughout the fall and winter, and sometimes well into the spring. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, don't assume you've missed your opportunity. Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.
Don't wait until the flu is already going around
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family this fall is also one of the simplest: get your annual flu vaccine.
Think of it as one more item on your fall checklist—right up there with changing the air filters, pulling out the sweaters, and getting ready for football season.
And remember, your pharmacist isn't just here to fill your prescriptions.
We're here to answer questions, help you understand your medications and vaccines, and help you stay healthier throughout the year.
If you're due for your flu shot, stop by Village Drugs and let us help you get prepared for flu season.