I went to pick up a prescription yesterday and the pharmacist let me know flu shots are available. It seemed earlier this year but he said they are trying to have them available in time for the start of school. He reminded me that it takes about 3 weeks for it to take effect.
I was reading some of the recent retail pharmacy threads on Reddit and they were bemoaning having the flu vaccine already and being mandated to offer it. One pharmacist linked to the CDC guidance ACIP Recommendations Summary | Influenza (Flu) | CDC recommending September or October and to avoid July and August unless medically necessary.
Thanks for the link @spdif . My pharmacist is very knowledgeable so I’m surprised he didn’t say anything. I would have thought “the sooner the better” but it sounds like I should have waited a few more weeks. Oh well - the deed is done so we shall see how it goes. (Who woulda thought🤔…?)
I made the mistake a few years ago and got my flu shot too early instead of my usual first week of October. The hospital had a rule that employees [volunteers] are required to get flu vaccine in October.
I will not be getting a COVID shot.
Here is official guidance on timing of flu shots: the concern is that it may wane late in the season if you get it too early:
www dot prevention dot com/health/a62056679/is-it-too-early-for-flu-shot/
I always advise to not to use “dot com” addresses for vaccine info. I’m including the CDC 2025-2026 guidance below.
2025–2026 Flu Season | Influenza (Flu) | CDC.
Even better. Thank you @joe !