# When should I get my flu shot? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 13, 2020, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520 "2020-09-13T23:30:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/21 "2020-09-14T04:59:04Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > I just heard somewhere that the earlier the better this year. It prompted me to check into when I can get mine through Kaiser and they aren’t available until the 21st. . . . What region are you in? I just got a mass form-letter e-mail listing their locations and schedule for San Joaquin and Stan counties (Northern California). They began on Aug. 31, through November. They will be doing them drive-thru style this year. You can get your shot at any time just for the asking. Those dates are when they run their mass clinics, set up in the hallways or lobby or parking lot. But you can go to their year-round injection clinic at any time of the year for whatever shots your heart desires. ETA: I intend to get mine any time between now and the end of September. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/22 "2020-09-14T05:10:01Z")
Note for the shot-shy: If you go to one of those mass flu-shot clinics, at least the way I’ve seen them at Kaiser, you get to sit in a chair and then you get to leave. They’re set up in a hallway or lobby (and this year, I guess in the parking lot). If you go to their injection clinic, you get to sit in a comfy recliner chair. If you get queasy, or you think you might, they can lean it back and let you rest there for a while if they’re not too busy. I’ve also seen in some places they have padded exam-tables in a hidden back room somewhere, where you can lie down. So at least if you’re going to faint, you won’t fall on your face. I was mildly needle-phobic for much of my younger adult days, and occasionally I mentioned this. They really take it seriously and make a big fuss over you if you even hint that you feel faint. ETA: One nurse said this was common in younger people (including younger adults), but she said people typically outgrow that as they get a bit older. In my case at least, that turned out to be so. Another ETA: So how do you think you will handle it if you have to go into a hospital or emergency room and they stick an IV needle in your arm and leave it there for hours or days? Spoiler: It’s a big nothingberder, it turns out. After the first minute, you don’t even notice it any more. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/23 "2020-09-14T05:42:23Z")
My parents’ church is running a flu shot clinic on September 16th, so that’s when they are getting them. It seems that any time from now until end of October is good. Later than that, the chance of getting the flu before the protection kicks in starts getting too high. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/24 "2020-09-14T20:50:23Z")
Got mine at CVS last weekend. As a 60-something I’m not taking any chances this year. I’d much rather be protected extra early now than maybe risk losing some effectiveness come March. Which loss is anecdotal anyhow. In more typical years I usually wait until mid Oct just out of forgetfulness, not out of any deliberate plan. This year I’m being extra deliberate. My bigger concern is the as soon as flu starts up again up north there will be a stampede of people who usually don’t bother to get flu shots who want one this year becasue COVID. I don’t want to be caught behind that crowd while supplies dwindle. Just like buying TP _before_ the hoarders show up. I’m also thinking that once COVID shots become available, the total number of arms needing to be stuck versus the total number of licensed arm-stickers is going to create a massive backlog. Best to beat that crowd too. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/25 "2020-09-14T21:03:18Z")
I’ve never bothered getting a flu shot but you guys are beginning to convince me. The other side of the coin is that all the COVID precautions may make transmission of the flu less likely. I am old enough to have increased vulnerability to both. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/26 "2020-09-14T21:28:15Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > licensed arm-stickers is going to create a massive backlog We managed the H1N1 vaccine campaign and learned from it. Now if the government would stay out of our way… Another reason to get your flu vaccine out of the way by mid-October would be to let us arm-stickers recoup and get the logistics squared away. We need to be able to keep doing our regular day jobs also. All kinds of supplies have to be manufactured and transported, procedures and documentation developed and beta tested. /signed/ A licensed arm sticker 💉🩹🧑🏼‍⚕️ ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/27 "2020-09-14T22:01:13Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > Hmm, I’ll have to check again. I’m in the Sacramento area. Not sure if that matters. I’ m in the L.A. area. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/28 "2020-09-14T22:07:35Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > I never could tell the difference between ‘regular’ flu shots and the high dose ones. Equally easy to tolerate. I got my first “senior” shot last year, and my shoulder was fairly sore for a couple of days afterwards. Nothing like what I’d call “pain” though. This year I also got the senior shot, and I could barely tell I’d even had a shot. I think it’s more the shot-giver than the shot contents, but that’s just a WAG. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/29 "2020-09-14T22:28:13Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > We managed the H1N1 vaccine campaign and learned from it. Now if the government would stay out of our way… > > Another reason to get your flu vaccine out of the way by mid-October would be to let us arm-stickers recoup and get the logistics squared away. We need to be able to keep doing our regular day jobs also. All kinds of supplies have to be manufactured and transported, procedures and documentation developed and beta tested. > > /signed/ > A licensed arm sticker 💉🩹🧑🏼‍:medical\_symbol: I was visiting with my GP a few days ago. He is also in-house top doc for a local health care industry firm with 12K employees. He’s developing the plans for how they stick 12K employees twice each while keeping the business productive and all the vaccine cryogenically chilled until needed. Lots of issues to consider but at least they have an effectively infinite supply of licensed arm-stickers, and an audience that fully understands / accepts the issues. The equally big financial firm in the next office tower has a few more problems to solve. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/30 "2020-09-14T22:34:55Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > I think it’s more the shot-giver than the shot contents, but that’s just a WAG. You are absolutely right. And even the quality of the needle used may matter. FWIW, some tips and info: (From [guntownclinic.com](http://guntownclinic.com)) **You cannot catch the flu from the flu shot, but it can have side effects.** Side effects from the flu shot tend to be mild and can mimic cold and flu symptoms. If you’re planning to get the flu shot this year (which we recommend you do), here are some things you might need to expect. #### **Reaction at the injection site.** The most common side effect to the flu vaccine is a reaction at the injectinside which is usually the upper arm. After the shot is administered, some people experience soreness, redness, warmth, and in some cases slight swelling. #### **Headache and other aches and pains** The second most common side effect to the flu shot is headaches and muscle aches throughout the body. These usually occur on the first day and go away within two days of receiving the shot. [nb: the latest advice is to not take Tylenol or ibuprofen for any aches, etc. They might lessen the development of antibodies. Regardless, always follow _your_ doctor’s advice] #### **Dizziness or fainting** Some people tend to get dizzy or faint after receiving a shot. Sometimes it’s a side effect of the shot. Sometimes it’s psychological and phobia related. If you are afraid of needles, the vaccine may also be available as a nasal spray, but you’ll need to ask your medical care provider if it is available. During the 2016-2017 flu season, the nasal spray vaccine wasn’t recommended. If you’re one of those people that feels faint after receiving a shot, try sitting for a few minutes and having a snack both before and after the shot. I like the snack before and after part : D ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/31 "2020-09-14T23:10:56Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > > [@carrps](#): > > > > I think it’s more the shot-giver than the shot contents, but that’s just a WAG. > > You are absolutely right. And even the quality of the needle used may matter. Thanks for the confirmation. I figured it was a good guess, because I’m a long time frequent blood donor (even did aphresis donations for several years), and some nurses were so good. Like buttah. A couple of 'em? Well, less said the better. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/32 "2020-09-14T23:13:13Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > I’m a long time frequent blood donor (even did aphresis donations for several years), and some nurses were so good. Like buttah. A couple of 'em? Well, less said the better. Same here. I’d walk in the door and the new nurses would say: “Get Mandy in here”. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/33 "2020-09-14T23:38:14Z")
Got mine today - I was at Target and the pharmacy there does them as walk ins and I figured why not. The pharmacists and I were talking - we both suspect the same thing - your chances of getting the flu when you are isolated, masked, and washing your hands more often than Monk are pretty slim - but it isn’t a good risk this year. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/34 "2020-09-14T23:54:20Z")
Got mine today at the local Walgreens. Took about 15 minutes total. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2020, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/35 "2020-09-15T00:35:10Z")
**There are legitimate reasons why [the CDC and most experts](https://www.health.com/condition/cold-flu-sinus/can-you-get-the-flu-shot-too-early) advise waiting until October**. > “We want to have as many people get flu shots as possible, however it’s important to make sure that you get the flu shot when it’s going to be most effective,” infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Maryland, tells _Health_ . He also recommends getting the flu shot in October, which may be “more optimal for protection.” [Why?](https://www.health.com/condition/cold-flu-sinus/how-long-does-the-flu-shot-last) > As a general rule “ **the flu shot is most effective in the first three months** , [but] people still have protection after six months,” Vanessa Raabe, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Health, tells _Health_ . Flu season begins in late October and lasts into May. The peak is December through February. You want the peak effectiveness time period of the vaccine to coincide with the peak of flu season. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2020, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/36 "2020-09-15T04:08:25Z")
Sounds like you’re suggesting waiting even until mid-November, for peak effectiveness in December through February. ? ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2020, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/37 "2020-09-15T04:17:02Z")
H’m. In Australia, I got mine as soon as it was available, the end of last May (equivalent to the end of November Up There). First time I’d gotten one, but I figured in COVID times I’d rather be on the safe side than trust my luck. As a sidebar, reporting of flu symptoms is way down Down Here from the five-year average. I imagine all the mask-wearing and distancing accounts for a lot of that. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2020, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/38 "2020-09-15T16:04:14Z")
I work in a preschool, and we get a visit from Public Health Nursing with all kinds of advice, on the best ways to sanitize areas, just different things to think of when working with little kids. We get told it’s better not to get the shot before October. Especially, we get told not to get it before September first. One nurse once told us that if we get it before Sept. 1, we might get leftover vaccine from the previous year. That sounded awfully conspiracy-theoryish to me, but my son’s birthday is Oct. 10, and he gets his shot when he gets his well-child check-up, so I get mine then too. DH gets a free one at work, since it’s required for him, so he gets it whenever they come in with them, which is any time from Sept.15 to Oct. 30, if memory serves. I don’t think it’s typical to be late in October-- that year was an outlier-- but he got it really late that year. I never had anyone tell me that Oct. 10 was late to be getting it. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2020, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/39 "2020-09-15T16:19:36Z")
Thanks for asking this question. I’m getting mine Friday! ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520/40 "2020-09-17T16:47:14Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > nb: the latest advice is to not take Tylenol or ibuprofen for any aches, etc. They might lessen the development of antibodies. Regardless, always follow _your_ doctor’s advice Do you, or anyone, have any further detail to offer on this advice? Like, how long before getting the flu vax, and how long after, should one abstain from Tylenol or ibuprofen? And does this apply to aspirin or other NSAIDS as well? Or any other pain-control meds? How about corticoseroids? What about inhaled corticosteroids? Do these also inhibit antibody formation? Any doctors or nurses or pharmacists or similar professionals here with anything to add about this? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-flu-shot/920520.md?page=3)