Protect your dog from canine flu
The Asheville Humane Society offers tips on how to prevent canine flu in your dog.
Wochit
Flu season is upon us, but it’s not quite here yet.
“Seasons vary in timing, severity and duration. It is not possible to predict what the 2022-2023 flu season will look like in Florida,” according to the Florida Department of Health. What we do know, however, is that flu season typically begins in the colder months. And in Florida, it is far from cold yet.
So is August too early to get a flu shot this year? Here’s when and where flu shots will be available this year, and when the CDC recommends getting vaccinated.
When is flu season in Florida?
“For the influenza reporting year, the standard reporting weeks established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are used, with each year having 52 or 53 reporting weeks,” the Florida Department of Health website states.
“In Florida, the 2022-23 flu year began on October 2, 2022 (week 40). Although the flu season ends on May 20, 2023 (week 20), surveillance will continue throughout the year.”
As in 2023, flu season typically begins in late September or early October, when the weather gets cooler, and usually lasts until the following summer in May. Flu season usually peaks in mid-winter, from about December to February.
Is August too early for a flu shot?
You can get a flu shot whenever you feel it’s appropriate. There are no rules about when you can and can’t get vaccinated, but the CDC recommends waiting until September or October to get vaccinated.
“For most people who only need one flu shot per season, September and October are generally good times to get a flu shot,” the CDC explains. “Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.”
Here are some other things to consider when scheduling your flu shot: according to the CDC website:
- “Most adults, especially those over 65 and pregnant women in the first or second trimester should generally not be vaccinated prematurely (in July or August), as protection may diminish over time. For all persons for whom a later vaccination is no longer possible, early vaccination is an option.”
- “Some children need two doses of flu vaccine. For these children, it is recommended that they receive the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, as the second dose must be administered no earlier than four weeks after the first. For children who only need one dose, vaccination in July and August may also be considered.”
- “Vaccination in July and August may also be considered for people who are in the third trimester of pregnancy. during these months because it can help protect their infants in the first few months after birth (when they are too young to be vaccinated).”
How to get the flu vaccine at a pharmacy near you
Getting a flu shot is actually pretty easy. You can make an appointment or go to a Walgreens store. Depending on who your health insurance is, you may actually be able to get a free flu shot at Walgreens.
CVS also offers flu shots by appointment. Like Walgreens, the flu shot is likely covered and will likely be free to you if you have health insurance. If you want to get a flu shot before or after shopping at the supermarket, you can also do so at Publix’s pharmacy.
If you are uninsured, you can find the following prices for each flu shot on the CVS website:
- Standard vaccine (trivalent): $68.99 (updated May 2024)
- Egg-free standard vaccine (Flublok): 115,99 €
- Vaccine for adults aged 65 and over (Fluzone HD, Fluad): 115,99 €
