The flu season in the U.S. typically peaks between December and February but is impacted by how actively the influenza virus circulates within communities. Flu season can begin as early as September and last through the beginning of May.

People older than 6 months of age can safely receive a flu shot. Both children and adults should get a flu shot to protect themselves from getting sick and from spreading the flu virus to others.

The flu shot is especially important for people in high-risk medical groups. This includes pregnant women, adults over 65 years of age and people with chronic medical conditions. High-risk individuals are more likely to become sicker if they contract the flu virus, and could experience severe complications requiring hospitalization. For those over 65, it is recommended that a high dose vaccine be given because they are more effective at preventing infection in this age group.

There are very few groups of people who should not have a flu shot. If you are allergic to ingredients in the flu vaccine, including gelatin, or certain antibiotics, your healthcare provider may recommend that you not receive a flu shot. Most people with an egg allergy can safely receive a flu shot. If you have an egg allergy and experience only hives after exposure, you can safely receive any age-appropriate flu shot. Talk to your healthcare provider about your particular history.

This year’s flu season has 3 different vaccine options. Your healthcare provider can recommend the option that is best for you.

Yes. Children older than 6 months are eligible to receive the flu shot. It is safe and recommended for children.

Infants younger than 6 months are not eligible to be vaccinated. Parents (including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers) and caregivers are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot so they do not spread the flu virus to children who are too young to be vaccinated. Infants are more likely to become sicker and face more complications if they contract the flu virus.

Pregnant women should be vaccinated because the flu virus may be harmful to an unborn baby.

The flu vaccine is available at Memorial Hermann locations throughout Greater Houston. We have a large network of affiliated physicians and community partners who offer flu vaccinations for you and your family.

You can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, or you can find a doctor at one of our Memorial Hermann Medical Group clinics. We also have vaccines available at our Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care locations with walk-ins welcome—no appointment required.

Vaccines are an easy and effective tool for prevention of illness and disease. Getting vaccinated reduces the likelihood of contracting the virus, and also decreases the severity of illness if you do get sick. We also anticipate increased circulation of both COVID-19 and RSV in coming months. Getting vaccinated is an easy way to protect your health.

Yes. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick, keep you out of the hospital and keep you from dying. It can also prevent you from spreading the virus to others who are in high-risk populations and those who are not eligible to be vaccinated.

The vaccine is updated each year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the four flu viruses that are currently circulating through communities.

Each year, the flu vaccine prevents…

• millions of illnesses and doctor’s visits
• tens of thousands of hospitalizations
• thousands of deaths

The flu vaccine can be given at the same time with other vaccines, such as Tdap or Pneumonia vaccines. This is helpful because patients can get what they need in one visit to the pharmacy or doctor’s office. Generally speaking, a waiting period is only required when two live virus vaccines are needed and not given within the same clinical visit. The waiting period in between the two vaccines would be approximately four weeks.

Most flu vaccine options cannot cause the flu as they are made from either an inactivated virus or from viral proteins, both of which are not infectious. Only nasal spray flu vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it is a weakened form of the virus that allows your body to produce antibodies to protect you. It is not recommended for patients that are immunosuppressed, pregnant or care givers for those that are immunosuppressed. Click here to learn more about nasal spray flu vaccine.

Generally, flu vaccine side effects (if any) are mild and go away on their own within a few days. According to the CDC, side effects that may occur from a flu shot could include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever (low grade), nausea, muscle aches and fatigue.