Flu season has a way of arriving before anyone feels ready for it. One minute you’re enjoying fall plans; the next, the flu is making the rounds at work, school, and everywhere in between.

The good news? Getting your annual flu shot is a simple step you can take now to prepare for the season ahead. Here are seven reasons to schedule yours.

1. September and October Are Ideal Times

For most people, September and October are good times to receive a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that most people get vaccinated by the end of October, although vaccination can still be beneficial later, as long as flu viruses are circulating.

Getting vaccinated now helps you prepare before flu activity typically picks up. Learn more about flu-vaccine timing from the CDC.

2. Protection Takes Time to Develop

Your immune system does not build protection immediately. It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for protective antibodies to develop.

That’s why it makes sense to schedule your flu shot before the flu begins spreading widely—not after illness has already started spreading through your workplace, school or household.

3. A Flu Shot Can Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year. However, during seasons when the vaccine is well matched to circulating viruses, vaccination has reduced the risk of needing medical care for the flu by approximately 40% to 60%.

The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevented about 10 million illnesses and 5 million flu-related medical visits during the 2024–25 season. Review the benefits of flu vaccination.

4. It May Make Flu Less Severe

No vaccine provides complete protection, and some vaccinated people may still get the flu. However, vaccination can still make a meaningful difference.

Studies have found that people vaccinated against the flu may experience milder illness if they become infected. Flu vaccination can also reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and serious complications.

In other words, your flu shot can still help—even if the flu catches up with you.

5. It Helps Protect Your Fall Plans

Flu can mean more than feeling miserable for a few days. It can also mean missing work, school, family gatherings, sporting events, travel and everything else on your calendar.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu-related illnesses, medical visits, and missed days at work or school. Getting vaccinated now is a smart way to help keep your season moving forward.

6. Flu Can Be Especially Serious for Some People

Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at higher risk of serious complications. These include

• Adults 65 and older
• Young children
• Pregnant people
• People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions
• People with weakened immune systems

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about which flu vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.

7. Last Year’s Flu Shot Is Not This Year’s Flu Shot

Flu viruses constantly change, and vaccine protection wanes over time. That’s why flu-vaccine formulations are reviewed annually and why we recommend a flu shot each season—even if you were vaccinated last year or previously had the flu.

This year’s flu shot is designed to target the viruses expected to circulate this season. Read why annual flu vaccination matters.

Ask About Other Seasonal Vaccines

While scheduling your flu shot, ask whether you are due for other recommended vaccines, such as those for COVID-19 or RSV.

COVID-19 Vaccines

You can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit when you're eligible and the timing is right.

RSV Vaccines

RSV vaccination is recommended for certain adults based on age and health risk. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is appropriate for you.

Sleeve Up and Get Your Flu Shot

Don’t wait for flu season to catch up with you. tru Primary & Urgent Care offers convenient care at eight locations across Maryland and Virginia. Find a tru location near you.