Flu Shots. When? (Too soon?)

[LadyBeBop]

Would you get a flu shot in early September for a late October trip?

We're leaving for WDW on October 26, arriving on October 27. I get my flu shot for free at work. However, we probably won't get the shots until the second week of October at the earliest. Possibly later.

I already see some pharmacies offering flu shots for the upcoming season. I have a doctor's appointment on September 5. I'd rather get my shot through my doctor rather than at the pharmacy.

Is it too soon for the upcoming season? I don't want to be unprotected. Furthermore, when should the rest of the family get their shots? I'm thinking about three weeks before (no later than about October 6). My husband has a doctor's appointment sooner than me (I think sometime next week). Should he get his shot then?

As always, many thanks.

 

[lillieandsam]

They recommend receiving your shot in September or October. It takes 2 weeks for the shot to completely take effect.

 

[delilah]

I am a physician, so, I actually give a lot of flu shots.

Usually, in the US, the flu season peaks in late January to late February. Sometimes, if you get a flu shot in early September, the protection begins to wane already by the time the flu gets here in January. But, over the 22 years that I have been in practice, I have seen the flu season peak anywhere from late December to early March. Some years, like two years ago, it never peaks. When we had H1N1 in 2009, in actually peaked in October. Some years there is a good immunologic match to the flu in circulation, sometimes not so good. In 2012-2013, I think there was something like a 40% failure rate. My son actually got the flu last winter after getting the vaccine when we had it available, in late September last fall.

But, also, over the past several years, the flu vaccine has been distributed earlier, and we usually totally run out by mid-October. So, in terms of immunology and vaccine efficicacy, I would recommend late October; in terms of getting vaccine, and not getting shut out, I would recommend getting as soon as you know it is available.

If the flu is in circulation and a person hasn't yet been immunized, and there is flu vaccine available, I would recommend that a person get the vaccine.

Probaby way more than you wanted to know.

 

[Jennybump]

You might look into taking/making an elderberry supplement, since elderberry has been well-studied and can be very effective particularly against influenza. There are great recipes out there for Elderberry-Echinacea syrup that are dead easy to make, or you can buy a product like Sambucol which has a longer shelf life. With such poor efficacy rates from the vaccine you really are better off having a backup plan.

 

[dawnhaze]

Last year, I got mine in early September at work, and then had the flu at WDW in January. It was only bad for about 36 hours, but ugh.

In previous years I've gotten vaccinated in October and been OK through the season. I've been an EMT and worked retail in a mall so I got exposed to darn near everything in that time period, haha.

I'm going to WDW in late October this year so I'm not sure what I want to do either.

 

[EmpressBubbles]

I'm a nurse and I take my flu shot in mid-late October. I also practice frequent and meticulous hand washing throughout the flu season!

 

[Mousemom]

I work in public health and always get mine mid to late October. I also am an avid hand washer and sanitizer especially before a trip. Trying to avoid sick people is impossible for me so I just try to help minimize getting sick.

 

[ZoZo]

I would call your doctor's office and see what they recommend, given your travel schedule.

I think it takes a couple of weeks for a flu shot to become effective, so factor that into your timing (ask your doctor's office for sure). You're not immediately protected as soon as you get the shot - it takes a little time for it to become effective.

 

[aubriee]

I'm a nurse and try to take mine in mid-late October.

 

[ShayBells]

Would you get a flu shot in early September for a late October trip?

We're leaving for WDW on October 26, arriving on October 27. I get my flu shot for free at work. However, we probably won't get the shots until the second week of October at the earliest. Possibly later.

I already see some pharmacies offering flu shots for the upcoming season. I have a doctor's appointment on September 5. I'd rather get my shot through my doctor rather than at the pharmacy.

Is it too soon for the upcoming season? I don't want to be unprotected. Furthermore, when should the rest of the family get their shots? I'm thinking about three weeks before (no later than about October 6). My husband has a doctor's appointment sooner than me (I think sometime next week). Should he get his shot then?

As always, many thanks.

If you've always gotten the flu shot without getting sick than its not too soon. Me? I hate them. I have always gotten my son the flu shot and he has always always gotten the flue right after. Last year I didn't get him one an he was perfectly fine. Alot of people get the flu right after getting the shot so be careful if you do it before your trip. It would be awful to have the flu at disney.

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[LadyBeBop]

Update. Went to the doctor today for my three month checkup. He didn't have the vaccine in yet. He said they expect it late this week.

He did say I could come in when they get the vaccine in. He said the vaccine is effective for 12 months. However, I don't want to pay a $30 co-pay when I can get it at CVS for $20.

I'll see when I can get it at work. If I can get the flu shot by October 11, I'll get it there. Else I'll spend the $20 at CVS. October 11 is about 16 days before we get to WDW.

I haven't had the flu in years. A few stomach viruses and 24-hour bugs; but never the flu. Knock on wood.

I already had a three-day vacation ruined this year due to illness. I don't want this to be spoiled.

 

[Echo queen]

To all the doctors or the like, does location matter? I live in central Texas, I saw the signage at Walgreens todaydo you get it now or wait? I would hate to jump the gun. Any concrete info on timing? Going to WDW for Christmas.

 

[PrettyFlower2]

Get a flu shot now before they all run out. If you get it at the drs you might not have to pay. Drugstores you prob have to pay like 40bucks unless you have medicare or medicaid. It goes through some insurances at the pharmacy but not all.

 

[aprilgail2]

Get a flu shot now before they all run out. If you get it at the drs you might not have to pay. Drugstores you prob have to pay like 40bucks unless you have medicare or medicaid. It goes through some insurances at the pharmacy but not all.

It's to late already for me- I have the flu now. They weren't sure so did a nasal swab and its the flu. I wish I had the shot because I feel MISERABLE!!!!!

 

[Echo queen]

It's to late already for me- I have the flu now. They weren't sure so did a nasal swab and its the flu. I wish I had the shot because I feel MISERABLE!!!!!

I guess your right, I met a lady at the MD office that has the flu today. Hope your better soon.

 

[aprilgail2]

I guess your right, I met a lady at the MD office that has the flu today. Hope your better soon.

This is a record for me- twice in one year. I just had the flu in March and I had even gotten the flu shot last year!!!!

 

[scrappinannie]

Get a flu shot now before they all run out. If you get it at the drs you might not have to pay. Drugstores you prob have to pay like 40bucks unless you have medicare or medicaid. It goes through some insurances at the pharmacy but not all.

We just got ours today. We leave for Disney on Oct. 21st and I wanted there to be enough time for the vaccinations to "take" before we all got on a plane and headed down. I would normally get them early October, so this is a bit earlier than normal but I didn't want to risk the kids getting sick right before or during our trip. Sure, it could still happen, but at least I know we've done what we can. Our pedi thought it was smart to do it now given our travel plans.

Last year I waited too long and by the time I got around to getting the shots (when half the school was already sick) they were out. Then my poor ds got the flu and strep at the same time. Not my finest mommy moment, for sure.