Ask a Family Physician: When to Get a Flu Shot and Who Needs It Most

It’s time to make sure your family is protected against the flu. Getting a flu shot each year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy through the fall and winter months.

Nikki Rodriguez, MD, a family physician at Norman Regional Health System, really believes in the power and importance of the flu vaccine. She emphasizes that even if you’re healthy, getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of illness to others.

“When you get the flu shot, you are less likely to spread it to the more vulnerable populations, say, your grandmother or the newborn baby that’s around,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

So, when should you get your flu shot—and who needs it most?

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The Best Time to Get a Flu Shot

Dr. Rodriguez recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October. “Flu season is right now,” she said. “It’s going to be robust in October and November. The most cases of the flu we’re going to see is probably in December.”

Since it takes about two weeks for your body to build protection after vaccination, getting your shot early helps ensure you’re covered before flu activity peaks.

She also encourages patients to think about their holiday plans: “Let’s try to get our flu shot before big gatherings—Halloween festivities, Thanksgiving, and of course, the holidays that come up at the end of the year.”

Watch Part One of Dr. Rodriguez’s Flu Vaccine Videos:

Who Should Get a Flu Shot

According to Dr. Rodriguez, everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine each year. Some groups are at a higher risk for complications and should make vaccination a top priority:

Children and Babies

Children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. “Your little baby is eligible to get it at six months,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “Especially if they have a history of asthma or reactive airway disease, their lungs may not be fully developed, and they’re more susceptible to getting pneumonia from the flu.”

Older Adults

As we age, our immune response weakens. Dr. Rodriguez highlights that those 55 and older should be vaccinated since common conditions like diabetes or hypertension can make flu symptoms worse.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women have a lower immune response and are more likely to experience severe illness from the flu. “It’s very important that when you’re pregnant, to get the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “It’s been tested, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology asks their patients to get it.”

People with Chronic Conditions

Anyone with a chronic health condition—such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease—should get vaccinated to help prevent serious complications that could require hospitalization.

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Why You Should Get a Flu Shot Every Year

Flu viruses change each year, which is why an annual vaccine is necessary. “Vaccine developers look at the circulating cases of influenza A and B,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “They get those prominent cases and end up making the vaccine from that. That’s why we do see it being highly effective in many years.”

Even if you do catch the flu after being vaccinated, it’s likely to be much milder. “If you look at people who get the flu that are unvaccinated, you’re looking at a five to seven day illness,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “With a vaccine, it’s cut down to one to two days, maybe three days maximum with minimal symptoms.”

Watch Part Two of Dr. Rodriguez’s Flu Vaccine Videos:

Common Flu Shot Myths

Dr. Rodriguez also addresses one of the most common misconceptions: the idea that the flu shot can cause the flu. While you might experience mild side effects like a slight fever or body aches, they typically last less than a day.

She also reminds patients that you can catch the flu before symptoms show up in others. “You’re contagious almost 24 hours before the symptoms start,” she said. That’s why vaccination is so important—it protects you and helps prevent unknowingly spreading the virus to others.

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Protect Yourself and Your Community

Dr. Rodriguez encourages everyone to get vaccinated together as a family. “We go together because I know my little ones, some of them are afraid to get it,” she said. “Once they see their older brother and sister or grandma get it, then they feel more comfortable.”

Flu shots are available now at Norman Regional’s primary care clinics and local pharmacies. “It’s really actually a two-second process,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “You walk in, you’ll get the flu shot, and then afterwards you may have a little discomfort—but it goes away pretty quickly.”

The bottom line? Getting your flu shot is quick, safe, and effective—and it helps protect the people you love most.

“You could be totally healthy and end up in the ER with the flu, and you could have avoided it if you got your flu vaccine,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

Where to Get Your Flu Shot

You can receive a flu shot at any Norman Regional primary care location, through your family physician, or at local pharmacies throughout the community. Call 405-515-5000 to find a primary care provider near you or you can schedule an appointment online.