Key takeaways
- Flu shots are the best defense against the flu. They can reduce how sick you get, even in years when the vaccine isn't a perfect match.
- It’s best to get vaccinated by the end of October since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to form. However, you can still benefit from the vaccine if you get it after October.
- Flu shots are available at pharmacies, clinics, grocery stores, and doctor's offices.
- Most health plans, including Medicaid and Medicare Parts B and D, cover the cost.
The flu is a common, but potentially serious, viral infection. Health professionals recommend those six months and older get an annual flu shot to help avoid getting seriously sick. The best time to get vaccinated is by the end of October, but getting one any time during flu season can still offer protection. Flu shots are available at pharmacies, clinics, health departments, grocery stores, and doctor's offices.
Flu season comes around every year, and getting a flu shot is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. Yet nearly 60% of adults in the U.S. did not get a flu shot in 2025, according to the 2025 National Health Interview Survey.1 It only takes a few minutes to get the vaccine, but the benefits can last for months to come.
Getting a flu vaccine is easy. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the flu?
The flu is a viral infection that affects your nose, throat and sometimes lungs. Some symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
Because it’s a viral infection, antibiotics won’t treat it. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu can be mild to severe. In serious cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization and even death.2
In the 2025-2026 flu season, the CDC estimates there were between 32-57 million flu illnesses in the U.S.3 With high illness counts and increased severity of flu symptoms, it’s important to protect yourself each flu season by getting a flu shot.
Do flu shots really work?
The quick answer is yes, flu shots work most of the time. That’s why organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend everyone six months of age or older get a vaccine each year (with rare exceptions).4
While some people who get vaccinated may still get the flu, studies show the vaccine can reduce the severity of illness.5 This might mean you have mild symptoms, or your symptoms may not last as long, or you may be less likely to need hospital care.
Determining which flu viruses will be the most prevalent each flu season is challenging, but experts do their best to match the flu vaccine to potential circulating viruses each season.
In years where the vaccine isn’t the best match, the flu shot is still the best way to prevent the flu.
Some people have mild symptoms after getting vaccinated, such as a low fever or soreness, but these symptoms typically only last 1-2 days and are less severe than getting the flu.
When should I get a flu shot?
The best time to get a flu shot is in the fall, as flu viruses start ramping up in the colder months. In the United States, flu season generally runs from October through May, with activity typically peaking between December and February.
Ideally, you should get a flu shot by the end of October, but if you miss that window, getting vaccinated anytime through March can still help protect you during the flu season.
It takes about two weeks after a vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body, so the CDC recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October. If you’ve already had the flu without a vaccine, getting vaccinated remains crucial as it offers protection against other flu virus strains you likely haven’t had.5
Where can I get a flu shot?
Flu shot clinics are available at many neighborhood pharmacies, clinics, local health departments, and even grocery stores. You can also contact your doctor’s office to see if they have walk-in options available.
Select Health Medicare members can get rewarded for getting a flu shot
Select Health Medicare members are rewarded $20 for completing their annual flu vaccine by December 31, 2026. Rewards may take 4–6 weeks to be added to the member’s Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card (Flex Card) and must be used by March 31, 2027, as they do not roll over.*
Stay as healthy as possible year-round
Even when people huddle indoors and viruses travel quickly, you can still protect your health by staying up-to-date on your annual flu vaccine. Flu shots are covered for those on Medicaid plans and Medicare Parts B and D plans. Additionally, most other health plans cover the cost of flu vaccines under the Affordable Care Act.6
If you’re looking for new health insurance coverage, check out our plans. We offer plans for individuals, families, employers and more.
Frequently asked questions about the flu shot
The flu shot will not give you the flu. The vaccines are made with dead viruses, which means you can’t contract the virus from it. You might experience mild discomfort, soreness, or a low-grade fever after getting the shot due to the body’s immune response. These symptoms should only last one to two days and are usually less severe than getting the flu itself.5
It takes about 2 weeks for the flu shot to start working and providing protection, according to the CDC. 5
* This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711. Select Health Medicare members can call 855-442-9900 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
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This information is available for free in other languages and alternate formats by contacting: [Select Health: 800-538-5038 (TTY:711) / Select Health Medicare: 855-442-9900 (TTY: 711) / Select Health FEHB: 844-345-3342 (FEHB) (TTY:711) / Select Health Medicaid: 855-442-3234 (TTY:711)]
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Sources
1. Early Release of Selected Estimates Based on Data From the 2025 National Health Interview Survey, National Center for Health Statistics, 2025
2. About Influenza, Centers for Disease Control, 2026
3. Preliminary Estimated Flu Disease Burden 2025-2026 Flu Season, Centers for Disease Control
4. Immunization and vaccine schedules and resources, American Academy of Family Physicians, 2026
5. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine, Centers for Disease Control, 2025
6. Preventive care benefits for adults, Healthcare.gov
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