No, it’s not too late to get a flu shot now! Even if you missed the early fall window, getting your flu vaccine late in the season is much better than not getting it at all. The flu season runs from October through May, and doctors keep giving shots as long as flu viruses are spreading in your area.
This guide will help you understand when to get your flu shot, how well it works when you get it late, and why protection is still worth it even in spring. We’ll also cover who should get the vaccine and where you can find it near you.
When Is Flu Season and How Long Does It Last?
Flu Season Timeline
Flu season in the United States starts in October and can last until May. The peak months are usually December through February, but flu cases can happen anytime during this long period.
Most cases happen from late December to early March, but that doesn’t mean the danger ends there. In recent years, the flu season has started earlier and lasted longer than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current Flu Activity in 2025
Right now, we’re seeing high flu activity across the country. According to the latest CDC FluView surveillance report, flu activity is increasing across the country, in all regions and across all age groups. CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
This makes getting vaccinated now even more important if you haven’t already.
Why Flu Season Varies Each Year
Every flu season is different. Some years, flu hits early and hard. Other years, it starts late but lasts longer. Weather, travel patterns, and which flu strains are spreading all play a role in how flu season unfolds.
Is It Really Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?
The Short Answer: No, It’s Not Too Late
If you skipped your flu shot this fall, doctors say it’s not too late to get one now. Health experts agree that late vaccination is always better than no vaccination.
While it’s commonly recommended to get the flu shot in the early fall, getting vaccinated later in the season is still beneficial. The flu season can extend into spring, so even getting vaccinated in January or later can provide protection.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Your flu shot needs about two weeks to become fully effective. According to the CDC’s Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.
Usually, you’ll get some protection within a week to 10 days, and we’re not through the flu season yet. Since flu season can last through May, getting your shot in late winter or early spring still gives you months of protection.
Late Season Protection Still Matters
Even if you get your flu shot later in the season, it can still help in several ways:
- Protection against late season flu waves – Some years see second waves of flu activity
- Coverage for different flu strains – If you have already been sick with the flu this season without getting vaccinated, getting a flu vaccine is still important because it helps prevent disease caused by three different strains of flu viruses
- Travel protection – Getting a missed flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel
Best Times to Get Your Flu Shot
Ideal Timing: September and October
The best time to get your flu shot is in early fall. September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. This timing ensures you’re protected before flu activity ramps up.
That’s why it’s best to get vaccinated before influenza viruses start to spread in your community.
Why Early Fall Is Preferred
Getting vaccinated early has several advantages:
- Full protection before peak season – You’re covered when flu cases typically spike
- Better immune response – Your body has time to build strong immunity
- Availability – Vaccine supplies are plentiful early in the season
Late Season Vaccination Benefits
But don’t worry if you missed the early window. While earlier is generally better, you can get the flu shot later in the season—even into January or beyond. CDC states that it’s fine to get vaccinated any time during flu season, provided unexpired vaccines are still available and flu viruses are still circulating.
You can get your flu shot until CVS Pharmacy stops carrying flu vaccine inventory, typically mid to late March.
How Well Does the Flu Shot Work When You Get It Late?
Current Season Effectiveness
This year’s flu vaccine is showing good effectiveness. According to the latest CDC interim vaccine effectiveness estimates, influenza vaccination was effective in preventing medically attended influenza-associated illness in children, adolescents, and adults in the United States.
The effectiveness varies by age group:
- Children and teens: 32% to 78% effective
- Adults: 36% to 55% effective against hospitalization
Why Late Vaccination Still Helps
Even when you get your flu shot later in the season, it provides important benefits:
Reduced severity of illness – A growing number of studies have shown that even when vaccinated people get sick with flu, their illness is less severe.
Protection against multiple strains – It is also important to remember that flu vaccines protect against three different influenza viruses (two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus).
Hospital protection – Even with moderate effectiveness, the vaccine significantly reduces your risk of being hospitalized with flu.
Vaccine Protection Duration
The flu vaccine will protect you for four to six months. This means even if you get vaccinated in January or February, you’ll have protection through the end of flu season and beyond.
Protection from the flu vaccine declines over time. A flu shot generally offers protection for at least five to six months.
Who Should Get a Late Season Flu Shot?
Everyone 6 Months and Older
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. This recommendation doesn’t change based on when you get vaccinated during flu season.
High-Risk Groups Need It Most
Certain people especially benefit from late season vaccination:
Older adults (65+) – For adults 65 years and older, there are 3 flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended. These are Fluzone High-Dose inactivated flu vaccine, Flublok recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.
People with chronic conditions – Those with heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or other long-term health problems face higher risks from flu.
Pregnant women – Flu vaccination protects both mom and baby.
Young children – Kids under 5 are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
When You Shouldn’t Get the Flu Shot
Very few people should avoid the flu vaccine:
- Babies under 6 months old
- People with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients
- Those who had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot
If you are pregnant or have certain chronic health conditions, you should get a flu shot.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot in Glen Ellyn
VillageRx Pharmacy – Your Local Option
If you’re in the Glen Ellyn area, VillageRx offers flu vaccination services as part of our comprehensive vaccination programs. Our experienced pharmacists can help you get the right flu vaccine for your age and health needs.
Located at 546 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, we make getting your flu shot convenient with:
- Walk-in availability
- Insurance acceptance
- Expert pharmacist consultation
- Personalized care for all ages
Other Vaccination Locations
You can also get flu shots at:
- Doctor’s offices
- Urgent care centers
- Chain pharmacies
- Health departments
- Some workplaces and schools
Use the government’s Vaccines.gov website to locate a pharmacy near you where you can schedule your flu vaccination.
Understanding This Year’s Flu Vaccine
What’s in the 2024-2025 Flu Shot
All flu vaccines for use in the United States are trivalent (three component) vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. Trivalent influenza (flu) vaccines are designed to protect against three flu viruses.
The three strains included are:
- An influenza A(H1N1) virus
- An influenza A(H3N2) virus
- An influenza B/Victoria virus
Why the Vaccine Changes Each Year
Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually, and vaccines are updated to protect against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season.
This is why you need a new flu shot every year, even if you got one last year.
Vaccine Supply and Availability
Vaccine manufacturers have projected that they will supply the United States with as many as 148 million doses of flu vaccine for 2024-2025. For the 2024–25 season, as of March 8, 2025, 147.6 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States.
This means there should be plenty of vaccine available, even later in the season.
Current Flu Vaccination Rates
Concerning Low Rates This Season
Vaccination rates this season are concerning. The CDC’s Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard shows that as of late April 2025, only 46.7% of adults and 49.2% of children have received a flu shot this season – significantly lower than optimal levels.
These low vaccination rates contribute to the severity of this flu season. So that really hurts when the number of people who are immunized is much less.
Why Vaccination Rates Matter
When fewer people get vaccinated, it affects the whole community:
- More people get sick
- Hospitals become overcrowded
- Vulnerable people face higher risks
- The flu season lasts longer
Getting your flu shot, even late in the season, helps protect not just you but also your family and community.
Can You Get Flu and COVID Vaccines Together?
Yes, You Can Get Both
Yes, you can get your COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time. Many providers now offer both immunizations during a single visit, and CDC confirms it’s safe to get both.
This makes it convenient to stay protected against both viruses with one pharmacy visit.
Safety of Combined Vaccination
You can even receive your vaccines in the same arm (but injection sites should be at least one inch apart). Side effects are typically mild and similar to getting either vaccine alone.
If you’re planning to get both vaccines, consider visiting VillageRx for your vaccination needs. We can provide both vaccines safely and conveniently.
What to Expect After Your Late Season Flu Shot
Common Side Effects
Most people have no serious side effects from flu vaccines. You might experience:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Mild aches
- Slight fatigue
These symptoms usually go away within a day or two.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- High fever (over 101°F)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent severe pain
Maximizing Your Protection
After getting your flu shot:
- Continue good hygiene habits
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Get enough sleep
Remember, the vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so continue taking precautions during this time.
Myths About Late Season Flu Vaccination
Myth: “It’s Too Late to Make a Difference”
Truth: While flu activity tends to peak in February, cases can continue through March and April. In fact, we’ve seen some years where it actually goes to the summer months.
Myth: “The Vaccine Will Make Me Sick”
Truth: The flu vaccine will trigger your immune system to produce antibodies to protect against influenza disease — it will not make you sick with the flu.
Myth: “I Already Had the Flu This Year”
Truth: It’s possible — albeit unlucky — to get infected with both strains during the same flu season. So really, if you haven’t been vaccinated, you ought to do so.
Making the Decision: Should You Get a Late Season Flu Shot?
Consider Your Risk Factors
Think about:
- Your age (higher risk if under 5 or over 65)
- Health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Pregnancy status
- Work environment (healthcare, schools)
- Living situation (caring for elderly or young children)
The Bottom Line
It’s better to get vaccinated late than not at all. Even if you missed the ideal timing, getting your flu shot now still provides valuable protection for the remainder of this flu season.
The decision to get vaccinated late in the season is almost always the right choice for your health and your community’s well-being.
Final Thoughts
Getting a flu shot later in the season is absolutely worth it. While early fall vaccination is ideal, don’t let timing stop you from protecting yourself and your family. The flu season runs through May, and late vaccination still provides months of protection.
Current flu activity is high across the United States, making vaccination even more important now. Whether you’re in Glen Ellyn or anywhere else, take action to protect yourself by getting your flu shot. Visit VillageRx or your local pharmacy to get vaccinated today.
Remember, it takes about two weeks for full protection to develop, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner you’ll be protected. Don’t wait – get your flu shot now and help keep yourself and your community healthy this flu season.