When should you receive the flu shot?

Answer 1

You sould have your immunity tested before you have the shot. You may be naturally immune as rubella is a very mild disease for children. If you are hoping to get pregnant you should have the shot and not get pregnant for a month afterwards. If you are pregnant, have the shot straight after the birth and don't get pregnant again for a month. Some women have been pregnant and had the shot (by mistake) and their babies have not been affected, but I wouldn't risk it.

Answer 2

For best results for everyone, get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your location each year.

Flu vaccinations are usually recommended for adults about 2-3 weeks prior to the expected appearance of the next flu season. For children under 10 and infants, there is a series of two vaccinations required a month apart. So, the time needed for immunization is expanded for the young ones. Keep in mind that immunity is not immediate from the time of vaccination; it will take an adult 2-3 weeks to develop antibodies against the virus after the vaccine is taken, children will achieve full immunity approximately one month after the second vaccination.

The flu season in the northern hemisphere is from October through March, although, some extend that to say it lasts through May. This usually provides a window for the vaccination from September through March in the US and other northern hemisphere locations. It is the opposite time of year that flu season occurs in the southern hemisphere (April through September).

Usually flu vaccine is available beginning in September in the US. If you don't get the vaccine in advance of the flu season, you can take it during the season at any time. It is usually available up until around March in the US. Taking it after March won't hurt and could help, but the flu season could be over before you achieve full immunity (which still wouldn't hurt since the same viruses may return in future years and the immunity would last a lifetime).