When to get this year’s flu shot
September and October are best, but a late shot still protects you. Here is who should get one and what to expect.
Flu season in Oregon usually starts in late fall and peaks between December and February. The shot takes about two weeks to work, so September and October are the best months to get it. If you miss them, get it anyway: a shot in January still helps.
Who should get one
Everyone aged six months and older, every year. It matters most for:
Adults 65 and over
Children under five
Anyone who is pregnant
People with asthma, diabetes or heart disease
What to expect
Your arm may be sore for a day, and some people feel tired or achy. That is your body building protection; it is not the flu, and the shot cannot give you the flu.
Where to get it
All six of our clinics give flu shots on weekdays without an appointment. Bring your insurance card if you have one; most plans cover the shot in full.
This article is general information, not advice about your own health. If something worries you, see your doctor.