Both adults and children should get flu shots by the end of next month, experts told Today this week.
“The recommendation for most adults is to get it in September, by the end of October,” said Dr. Natalie Azar, an NBC News medical contributor.
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An American Academy of Pediatrics statement released Tuesday also said that all flu vaccines for children should be administered by the end of October. Some children may need two doses, said Today.
While Halloween marks the recommended deadline for influenza vaccination for the upcoming flu season, Azar said pregnant women and children could get shots earlier. In fact, she said people in their third trimester of pregnancy should get vaccinated as soon as possible since “it will confer antibodies to their child.”
“Children can get it any time,” Azar added.
“Children aged 6 months to 8 years who are receiving flu vaccine for the first time, who have had only one dose ever prior to July 1, 2021, or whose vaccination status is unknown should be vaccinated as soon as vaccines become available so that they can receive two doses four weeks apart by the end of October,” said the American Academy of Pediatrics.
According to the academy, vaccines are recommended for children over 6 months old. Most children over two are also eligible for a nasal spray option, Today said.
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This year, flu vaccination – which is around 40 to 60 percent effective – is especially important as the country is still struggling with increased COVID-19 transmission. Those who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination (currently people over 12 years old) should get those shots as well.
“The coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, and make it incredibly unlikely that a person will experience severe symptoms of the disease,” said Today.
If people are immunized against the viruses, it may prevent a “twindemic” from overwhelming hospitals.
“With COVID here and taking such a toll in terms of morbidity and mortality, we really have to do everything we can to protect ourselves,” said Dr. Lauren Block, a primary care physician and researcher at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, according to the outlet. “That includes getting COVID vaccines, but also, don't forget about your annual flu vaccine.”
She explained that people do not have to wait between receiving their COVID-19 and flu vaccines, something the American Academy of Pediatrics also said.
“I've had a lot of patients who have had concerns, saying 'I just got my COVID vaccine,' or 'I'm thinking about going for a booster, does that mean I should wait to get my flu shot?' And the answer is no,” Block said.
“There's no need to wait the 14 days between the (coronavirus and flu) vaccines. It's fine to schedule your flu shot, and if you have not been vaccinated or was recommended for a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine, to get that as soon as possible as well.”
However, children who have moderate or severe cases of COVID-19 should not be vaccinated until they have recovered from the illness, said the American Academy of Pediatrics. Block also said that no one should receive the flu shot while symptomatic with COVID-19.
“Anyone who has COVID should absolutely wait until they're no longer contagious to really go anywhere, and that includes going to get preventive care,” she said. “It's one thing to go get care if you're sick, but if you're getting preventive health care, the CDC says that it takes at least 10 days since the beginning of symptoms for you to no longer be contagious so as a rule of thumb I usually tell my patients to wait two weeks after starting symptoms.”
Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and do not have an active infection do not have to wait before getting a vaccine.
People with allergies to vaccine ingredients should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated and people with a fever should wait until their symptoms stop to get a shot.
Flu shots are typically available at pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS.
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