You can find the flu vaccine most quickly at your local pharmacy, where you can usually walk in without an appointment. Call your pharmacist to be sure they have the current year's vaccine in stock. Most people in the US should aim to receive their flu vaccine in the months of September or October each year.

• Major pharmacy retailers such as Costco, CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart offer the flu vaccine. At most pharmacies you can walk in to get your vaccine, but to avoid a wait you may want schedule an appointment.
• Urgent care centers, your doctor's office and local public health clinics may offer them, too. Drive-through vaccination options may be available; call your local pharmacy.
• You can usually sign-up and reserve a time online or call your healthcare provider or pharmacy.

Most pharmacists in the U.S. are licensed to immunize, meaning they can give you the vaccine with little to no waiting. You may need an appointment, but walk-ins might be accepted, too. For a quicker appointment, schedule your time online or call the pharmacy.

Commonly used flu vaccines include:

• Afluria
• Fluad
• Fluarix
• Flublok
• FluLaval
• FluMist (nasal flu vaccine)
• Fluzone
• Flucelvax

In most cases, the flu shot is low cost or covered by your insurance. In addition, pharmacies or clinics will accept insurance for the vaccine which typically results in little to no copay for you.

College students and others living in close quarters are especially susceptible to the flu, just like COVID-19. Students may be offered the flu vaccine at the campus health clinic. College students should make it a priority to get their flu vaccine each fall.

In addition, a new COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the fall of 2023 and you can received both vaccines during the same visit.

Can I get a flu vaccine in August?

September and October are the best months for most people in the U.S. to get vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that eligible persons aged 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine, typically in the early fall.

However, in 2023, the CDC updated their timing recommendations for flu vaccines for special groups.

• They still state September and October are the best months for most people. They emphasize that vaccination in July and August should be avoided in adults age 65 years old and older and pregnant people in the first and second trimester, unless it won’t be possible to vaccinate in September or October.
• Pregnant people who are in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in July or August in order to ensure their babies are protected from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.
• Children who need two doses of flu vaccine should get their first dose of vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.
• Vaccination in July or August can be considered for children who have health care visits during these months, if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them. For example, some children might have medical visits in the late summer before school starts and might not return to see a health care provider in September or October.

How late can I get a flu shot?

According to the CDC, you can get a flu vaccine as long as the flu viruses pose a threat. During some seasons, that can be as late as May or June.

This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.