With the peak activity of flu season just around the corner, October is a good time to get your flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect the severity of the 2025 - 2026 flu season to be classified as moderate across all age groups, but flu vaccines will play a major role in preventing hospitalizations.
According to the CDC, it takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for your body to develop the antibodies needed to protect against the flu. So if you get your flu shot in October, you will be well protected for the peak flu season, which usually happens between December and February.
Remember, the flu vaccine does not prevent you from getting the flu, but it can lessen the severity of your symptoms. Your immune system should remain protected for about six months, lasting all the way into March if you get vaccinated in October. Studies show the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60% if the virus strains in the shot match the common strains circulating. This year’s flu shots protect against three different flu strains:
- Influenza A virus H1N1
- Influenza A virus H3N2
- Influenza B virus
Who Should Get a Flu Shot
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, unless you’re medically exempt. It is especially important for people who are more vulnerable to flu complications. Here are the most at-risk groups:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma
For these groups, high-dose vaccines may be recommended. We have different single-dose vaccines to fit your needs. Schedule a Flu Shot at Harbor Health
Call us to schedule a flu shot at one of our clinics at 855-481-8375 or book an appointment online. Check with your health insurance plan to verify, but almost all plans cover the cost of a flu shot.
We are proud to offer care and coverage together with our new Harbor Health insurance plans, available on healthcare.gov, the Individual Insurance Marketplace, in November 2025. We provide fully insured individual and family health plans at a more affordable price than most. We also continue to work with large group employers to help reduce the cost of insurance for businesses and their employees.