Who should get a flu shot? Basically everyone.
2 min
What you need to know
It can start out mild, then turn severe
You can be contagious even before you feel symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. People age 65 and older with certain conditions are at higher risk of severe flu which can lead to hospitalization.
It’s updated yearly
The virus changes, so flu shots are updated to help protect against the types scientists think will be most common.
Recommended for everyone 6 months and older
It’s also recommended after age 65 if you have heart disease, asthma, COPD, diabetes, or other conditions that put you at higher risk of severe flu. Even if you feel healthy, the immune system weakens with age, making it harder to fight respiratory infections including flu.
When temps dip to 41°F or colder, flu starts to spread.
That’s why vaccination is recommended in September and October, before the temperature drops.
Source: Journal of Virology
Related resources
Get more answers to your vaccine questions.
Health insurance covers routine vaccines for nearly 80% of adults in the United States.
If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.
If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.
Correct answer: If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.
If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.
Help protect yourself.
Same-day vaccination appointments may be available.
Sign up to get vaccine guidance.
form_builder__uat__2244
form_builder__production__2244__wd
Thanks for
your interest.
You’ve been subscribed.
Still have questions about flu shots?
How many types of flu viruses are there?
There are four types of flu viruses: A, B, C, and D. The viruses that cause seasonal flu are A and B, which usually show up during fall and winter.
Can I get the flu from a flu vaccine?
No, you can’t. Flu vaccines are made from killed (inactivated) viruses or proteins, so they can’t infect you.
What are the side effects of flu vaccines?
Although most people have no issues with the annual flu vaccine, side effects can include soreness, redness, swelling where you got the shot, low fever, muscle aches, and headache. Side effects can clear up on their own — in just a few days.
See the article What to know about vaccine side effects to find out more.
Do certain conditions put me at higher risk for flu complications?
If you’re 65+ and have certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart or kidney disease, you’re at higher risk of getting severe flu.
When’s a good time to get a flu vaccine?
It’s recommended that you get a flu vaccine during the months of September and October, but you can get vaccinated anytime during the flu season, which typically runs from October to May.