No, it’s not too late to get a flu shot now! Even if we’re well into flu season, getting your flu shot can still protect you for the rest of the season. The flu virus keeps spreading through April and sometimes even into May, so there’s still plenty of time to benefit from getting vaccinated.
This year has been one of the worst flu seasons in more than a decade. According to the CDC’s latest surveillance data, we’ve already seen over 47 million flu cases, 610,000 hospitalizations, and sadly, 216 child deaths this season alone. These numbers make it clear – getting your flu shot is more important than ever, even if you’re getting it later in the season.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a late flu shot, including when it’s still worth it, how well it works, and where you can get one quickly and easily.
Why Getting a Late Flu Shot Still Makes Sense
Flu Season Lasts Longer Than You Think
Many people think flu season ends in February, but that’s just when it usually peaks. In the United States, the virus that causes flu usually circulates in the fall and winter. Flu activity tends to peak between December and February. This can vary season by season, however. Some seasons begin earlier, and some can continue well into the spring months.
Even then it’s not too late for you and your family to get the flu vaccine. Many health care providers give flu vaccines through May if the flu virus is still circulating. Getting a missed flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel.
This Year’s Flu Season Is Especially Severe
The 2024-2025 flu season has been particularly tough. This number of pediatric deaths exceeds the previous high reported for a regular (non-pandemic) flu season. The CDC has classified this as a high-severity season – the first since 2017-2018.
The weekly hospitalization rates observed during Week 1 and Week 4 (10.2 per 100,000 population) are tied with the 2017-2018 season as the highest peak weekly rate observed, across all seasons since 2010-2011. With numbers like these, every vaccination counts.
Protection Kicks In Quickly
Here’s some good news: you don’t have to wait long for protection. “Usually, you’ll get some protection within a week to 10 days, and we’re not through the flu season yet,” Furr says. While full protection takes about two weeks, you’ll start getting some benefit much sooner.
When Is It Actually Too Late for a Flu Shot?
The Simple Answer
As long as the flu is still circulating in your community, it is not too late to get a flu shot. Since flu viruses can spread through May in most parts of the country, you have months of potential protection ahead of you.
What the Experts Say
The CDC continues to recommend flu shots as long as flu viruses are spreading in communities. CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
Even if you’ve already had the flu this season, you should still get vaccinated. If you have already been sick with the flu this season without getting vaccinated, getting a flu vaccine is still important because it helps prevent disease caused by three different strains of flu viruses. You likely were infected with one type of flu virus strain, so the vaccine would offer protection against the strains that you haven’t already had.
Special Situations
If You’re Feeling Sick
If you’re sick on the day of your flu shot, make sure you let the provider know. Some people can still get vaccinated if they only have a minor illness. In some cases, the provider may recommend rescheduling the flu shot.
If You’re Planning to Travel
Getting a late flu shot is especially smart if you have travel plans. Airports, planes, and tourist destinations can expose you to flu viruses from different regions.
How Well Do Late Flu Shots Work?
Effectiveness Remains Strong
Even when you get your flu shot later in the season, it still provides solid protection. Recent CDC effectiveness studies show the 2024-2025 flu vaccine has been effective, with VE against medically attended influenza ranged from 32% to 60% in outpatient settings and from 63% to 78% against influenza-associated hospitalization among children and teens.
Protection Against Multiple Strains
The flu shot protects against several different flu viruses each year. flu vaccines protect against three different influenza viruses (two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus). Additionally, multiple different influenza viruses usually circulate during any one season.
Reduces Severity Even If You Get Sick
A growing number of studies have shown that even when vaccinated people get sick with flu, their illness is less severe. This means fewer missed work days, less time feeling miserable, and lower risk of serious complications.
Who Should Definitely Get a Late Flu Shot?
Everyone 6 Months and Older
The CDC recommends flu shots for almost everyone. the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against it every year, even if you’ve never had the flu.
High-Risk Groups Need Extra Protection
Some people face higher risks from the flu and should prioritize getting vaccinated:
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Young children (especially under 2 years old)
- People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Healthcare workers
- Caregivers of high-risk individuals
Why Community Protection Matters
Flu vaccines aren’t just about your own health. Getting a shot, no matter how late in the season, can help protect the people around you. The concept of herd immunity reflects the fact that immunized populations stop the spread of a virus and keep the community safe.
Common Concerns About Late Flu Shots
“Will It Make Me Sick?”
This is one of the biggest myths about flu shots. The flu shot can’t make you sick because it doesn’t contain a live virus. You might feel some mild side effects like a sore arm or low-grade fever, but these are signs your immune system is responding – not that you have the flu.
“Is It Worth It This Late?”
Absolutely! Even if you’ve missed peak flu season, there are still plenty of reasons to get your late flu shot. No matter how early or late, there’s really no bad time to get vaccinated.
“I Already Had the Flu This Year”
You should still get vaccinated. flu more than once in a single year. The flu shot is designed to protect you against several of the most troublesome strains each season. So it makes sense to get vaccinated even if you’ve already recovered from the flu.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot Quickly and Easily
Walk-In Convenience at Crystal Lake Pharmacy
Getting your flu shot doesn’t have to be complicated. At Crystal Lake Pharmacy, we make it easy with walk-in vaccination services – no appointment needed.
Our experienced pharmacists provide:
- Fast, professional flu shot administration
- Patient education about vaccines
- Comfortable, clean environment
- Convenient hours Monday through Saturday
Other Options in Your Community
There are many places you can go to get a flu shot, including: pharmacies, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, and health departments. Many grocery stores and big-box retailers also offer flu shots.
What to Expect
The flu shot process is quick and simple:
- Brief health screening questions
- Quick shot in your upper arm
- 15-minute observation period (just to be safe)
- You’re done and protected!
Making the Most of Your Late Flu Shot
Combine with Other Vaccines
It’s safe to get your flu shot at the same time you get vaccinated for COVID-19. Ask about getting caught up on other vaccines too, like pneumonia or shingles vaccines.
Practice Good Health Habits Too
While your flu shot is your best protection, combine it with these healthy habits:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Get enough sleep
- Eat nutritious foods
- Stay hydrated
Know the Warning Signs
Even with a flu shot, you should know when to seek medical care:
- High fever (over 101°F)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Confusion or dizziness
- Persistent vomiting
Planning Ahead for Next Year
Best Time for Future Flu Shots
Ideally, you should try to get vaccinated before the end of October. Mark your calendar for September or early October next year to get optimal protection.
Why Annual Shots Matter
The immunity you get from a flu shot lasts only about a year. Plus, flu viruses change each year. New flu vaccines fight the latest strain of the virus. This is why you need a new flu shot every year.
Talk to Your Pharmacist
Our team at Crystal Lake Pharmacy can help you plan your vaccination schedule. We offer medication therapy management services to help you stay on top of all your health needs.
The Bottom Line on Late Flu Shots
Key Takeaways
- It’s not too late – Flu season continues through May
- Protection works quickly – You’ll get some protection within a week
- Every shot helps – Reduces your risk and protects your community
- This year is severe – The 2024-2025 season has been particularly tough
- Multiple benefits – Even if you get sick, symptoms will be milder
Take Action Today
Don’t put off getting your flu shot any longer. With flu activity still high across the country and this being one of the most severe seasons in years, protecting yourself and your family is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Getting a flu shot later in the season is absolutely still worth it. With flu viruses continuing to circulate through spring and this year being particularly severe, every vaccination makes a difference. The protection you get from a flu shot – even a late one – can save you from weeks of misery and potentially serious complications.
Whether you’re concerned about protecting yourself, your family, or your community, it’s never too late to take this simple step toward better health. Stop by Crystal Lake Pharmacy today for your flu shot – no appointment needed, and our friendly team will take great care of you.
Remember: the best flu shot is the one you actually get. Don’t wait any longer – your health is worth protecting.
Ready to get your flu shot? Visit Crystal Lake Pharmacy today! We’re located at Favia Primary Care and Medispa, open Monday through Saturday with convenient walk-in vaccination services.