Flu Shots Advised Each Season from 6 Months, at Pharmacies
CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, so ask a health care provider whether it’s right for you; September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated, and ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices and clinics, and you can also get one at a health department, pharmacy or urgent care clinic.
If you’re reading this after the end of October: these two CDC pages don’t say whether it’s still worth getting vaccinated after October, so this article draws no conclusion; ask a health care provider or pharmacy.
Who should get vaccinated
CDC explains (CDC who needs a flu vaccine):
- 6 months and older: a flu vaccine is recommended every season, with rare exceptions.
- People at higher risk: vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications.
Who shouldn’t get it, or should ask a provider first
- Babies younger than 6 months: too young to get a flu vaccine.
- Severe allergy to a vaccine ingredient: people with a severe, life-threatening allergy to a vaccine ingredient other than egg proteins shouldn’t get that vaccine.
- A past severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine: shouldn’t get that vaccine again, and may not be able to get other flu vaccines.
- Which vaccine is right: depends on age, current and past health, and allergies.
When to get vaccinated
- September and October: generally good times.
- By the end of October: ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by then.
- Adults, especially those 65 and older, and people in the first or second trimester of pregnancy: should generally avoid getting vaccinated in July or August, since protection may decline over time; people who may not be able to come back later can consider getting vaccinated early.
- Third trimester of pregnancy: vaccination in July or August can be considered, to help protect babies in their first few months.
- Children who need two doses: some children need two doses, with the second at least 4 weeks after the first; these children should start as soon as vaccine is available.
Where to get vaccinated
CDC says flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices and clinics, and you can also get one at a health department, pharmacy or urgent care clinic (CDC flu vaccine key facts).
For how to find your own vaccine records, see No National Vaccine Record Database, Ask Your State Registry; for choosing a primary care doctor, see Pick a Primary Doctor First, HMOs Usually Need Referrals.
What this article did not check
- Whether it’s still worth getting vaccinated after October: these two CDC pages don’t say, so this article draws no conclusion; ask a health care provider or pharmacy.
- Cost and insurance coverage: these two pages don’t say, so this article doesn’t either.
- Which flu vaccine to get: it depends on age and health, so this article doesn’t cover it; ask a health care provider.
Frequently asked questions
From what age should you get a flu vaccine?
From 6 months; CDC recommends one every season, with rare exceptions.
I got one last year. Do I need one this year?
Yes. CDC recommends one every season, even if you got one last year.
Where can I get one?
At many doctor’s offices and clinics, or at a health department, pharmacy or urgent care clinic.
I’m over 65. Can I get vaccinated in August?
CDC says to generally avoid getting vaccinated in July or August, since protection may decline over time; people who may not be able to come back later can consider getting vaccinated early.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-31.
- CDC, Who Needs a Flu Vaccine (page date 2025-09-18):https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html
- CDC, Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine (page date 2026-09-01):https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html