Flu Vaccine

Why the Flu Vaccine is More Critical Than Ever

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When is the Flu Season?

While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. People at high risk of developing flu-related complications has a full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk.

Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people.

There are flu shots approved for use in children as young as 6 months old and flu shots approved for use in adults 65 years and older.

Flu shots also are recommended and approved for use in pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals who are 2 years through 49 years of age. People with some certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.

There are many vaccine options to choose from.  CDC does not recommend one flu vaccine over another. The most important thing is for all people 6 months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every year.

If you have questions about which flu vaccine to get, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Where Can I Get the Flu Vaccine?

Many pharmacies offer the flu vaccine at no cost to the patient. Due to COVID-19 public health emergency, many pharmacists in Massachusetts are now able to vaccinate those who are 3 years old and older. For pharmacies, we recommend that individuals call ahead to confirm availability and any required documentation.

You may also get vaccinated by your primary care provider. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of a flu vaccine from your primary care provider and require no co-pay.