You may be wondering if you even need a flu shot this year if you’ve had one before. And if you got vaccinated last flu season, shouldn’t you still have some protection?
For most adults, the answer is yes. Health experts advocate getting a flu shot every year since flu viruses mutate over time and protection from the vaccine wanes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions.
Why Do Adults Need a Flu Shot Every Year?
Here are two reasons why you need a yearly flu vaccine.
Flu viruses change
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving. Consequently, the viruses that circulate in one influenza season may be different from those that circulate in another.
The flu vaccination formulations are examined and changed as needed to help protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. This means last year’s flu vaccine is not meant to replace this year’s vaccination.
Protection decreases over time.
Vaccination gives you immunological protection that may fade with time. The yearly immunization helps provide more up-to-date protection for the current flu season.
The flu vaccine does not ensure that you will not acquire the virus. But vaccination can minimize the chance of flu illness and can lessen the severity of illness if you do become sick.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each season, with very few exceptions. That’s most adults, healthy or sick.
An annual flu shot may be especially important if you are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
These covers:
- Older adults (aged ≥65 years)
- Pregnant individuals
- People with asthma or other chronic lung problems
- People with some cardiac problems
- Diabetic people
- Individuals with specific chronic health issues
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who live with or take care of someone at high risk of flu complications
If you have a chronic health condition, discuss the flu vaccine and other vaccines advised for you with your healthcare professional.
Is the Flu Shot Different Every Year?
It can.
Flu vaccines are updated every year to keep up with changing flu viruses. Flu vaccines available in the United States for the 2026–2027 flu season are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three influenza viruses, the CDC says.
Also, the vaccine that is suggested for you may vary based on your age and health history.
CDC does not recommend one licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine over another for adults younger than 65 years. Older persons are at increased risk for serious complications from influenza. Certain immunizations are recommended preferentially for adults aged 65 years and older. Your health care professional can help you choose the option that’s best for you.
When Should Adults Get a Flu Shot?
For most adults, September and October are generally good months to get a flu shot. Ideally, the CDC recommends individuals get vaccinated by the end of October, but it’s still helpful to get vaccinated later while flu viruses are circulating.
It takes around two weeks following immunization for the body to generate antibodies that give protection against the flu.
That is one reason it is helpful to plan rather than waiting until influenza is already circulating widely in your community.
Can You Still Get the Flu After a Flu Shot?
Yes. The flu vaccine is not 100% effective, and vaccinated persons can get infected.
But getting vaccinated can lessen your odds of becoming sick and can make an illness less serious if you do get the flu. It can help prevent flu-related doctor visits and significant problems.
Also, it is crucial to know that a flu vaccination does not give you the flu. Injectable flu vaccines include inactivated viruses or particular viral components and cannot cause flu sickness. You may have some transient side effects such as discomfort at the site of the shot, but it is not the same as having influenza.
Does a Healthy Adult Really Need a Flu Shot Every Year?
This does not mean that you cannot have the flu or give it to someone else to be healthy.
Even if you generally recover from illnesses without serious trouble, having a vaccination can help minimize your risk of flu and assist in protecting others around you who may be more vulnerable to consequences.
This can be especially important if you routinely spend time with older persons, young children, pregnant people, or those with specific chronic health conditions. So, vaccination isn’t just about your individual risk. It may also help to reduce the spread of influenza in families, businesses, and communities.
When Should You Talk to Your Doctor Before Getting a Flu Shot?
Most adults can get an age-appropriate flu vaccine, but there are times when you should talk to a health care professional first.
For example, notify your provider if you have had a severe adverse reaction to a flu vaccine in the past or if you have a medical condition that may affect which type of influenza vaccine is right for you.
Your health care provider will consider your medical history, your current health conditions, your age, and other considerations when prescribing the right vaccine for you.
Protect Yourself During Flu Season
One of the most important things individuals can do to protect themselves against seasonal influenza is to get an annual flu vaccine. Because flu viruses are always changing and vaccine protection wanes over time, immunization must be renewed every season.
If you have questions regarding flu shots, adult vaccines, or your seasonal healthcare needs, talk to your primary care practitioner. A health care provider can assess your health history and assist you in staying up to date with suggested preventive care.
Primary Care of Kansas is here to talk about your health care requirements and get you ready for flu season with preventive care and immunization programs.
FAQs
How often should adults get a flu shot?
Most adults should get a flu vaccine every flu season. CDC advises that all persons aged 6 months and older without contraindications receive yearly influenza immunization.
Can I skip the flu shot if I had one last year?
A flu vaccine from last season does not take the place of this season’s vaccination. Influenza viruses are variable, and protection from the vaccine wanes over time; hence, annual immunization is suggested.
Is it too late to get a flu shot after October?
Not necessarily. CDC recommends that vaccination should continue during the flu season as long as influenza viruses are circulating and the vaccine is available, while September and October are preferable months for vaccination for most adults.
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