On this page...
Flu vaccines are proven to help prevent millions of illnesses and have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40% to 60%..
Back to topWhen to Get the Flu Vaccine
Flu viruses are always changing and every year a new flu vaccine is developed to protect against the viruses believed to be found during the upcoming season.
- Children 6 months through 8 years may need two doses during a single flu season.
 - If you’re pregnant, you can get the flu shot at any time during your pregnancy.
 - Everyone else (ages 8+) only needs one dose each flu season.
 
Facts About Flu Vaccines
The flu vaccine keeps you safe, but keep in mind:
- Although you may experience flu-like symptoms after a flu shot, these side effects are temporary and far less severe than getting the flu.
 - Even when the flu vaccine doesn’t exactly match the viruses, it can still provide protection.
 - You can get the flu immunization at the same time as other vaccines.
 
Flu Prevention
- People at High Risk for Flu Complications (CDC)
 - Guide for Parents (CDC)
 - Flu Resources for Business (CDC)
 
About the Flu
Flu Vaccination
- Key Facts About Flu Vaccine (CDC)
 - Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When
 - Vaccine Benefits
 - Types of Flu Vaccines
 - Misconceptions about Flu Vaccine
 - Healthy Habits to Prevent Flu
 
Resources for Health Care Professionals
Whether you’re a primary care physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional (HCP), you play a significant role in helping protect your patients against influenza. A strong influenza vaccine recommendation is one of the most important factors in patients accepting the vaccine.
- Health Care Professional Fight Flu Toolkit (CDC)
 - Make a Strong Flu Recommendation (CDC)
 - Digital Media Toolkit (CDC)
 
Flu Vaccine Information
- 2024-2025 Recommendations of the Advisory Commitee on Immunization Practices
 - 2024-2025 Summary of Recommendations
 - 2024-2025 Influenza Vaccine Products (Immunize.org)
 - How to administer intramuscular, intradermal, and intranasal influenza vaccine
 - Flu Vaccine Label Examples
 - Standing Orders Influenza Children and Teens (Immunize.org)
 - Standing Orders Influenza Adults (Immunize.org)
 
Resources
- Seasonal Influenza Recommendations
 - MMWR: Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza
 - Vaccine Information Statement - Inactivated Influenza
 - Vaccine Information Statement - Live, Intranasal Influenza
 - Vaccine Information Statement Translations
 - Screening Checklist for Inactivated Influenza Vaccination
 - Screening Checklist for Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccination