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Medical groups say October is a good time to get a flu vaccine, because it takes about two weeks for protection to develop and flu can cause severe illness. Updated COVID-19 vaccines and RSV protection are also available for groups recommended to receive them, though federal guidance has not been updated this year.
Medical experts are urging people to get a flu shot in October, before influenza spreads widely, while also checking whether they are due for updated COVID-19 or RSV protection. The advice comes from major medical organizations because the federal advisory process has been disrupted by a court battle and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated its guidance, according to MedPage Today.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Infectious Diseases Society of America have published recommendations for the populations they serve. The groups generally recommend flu vaccination for nearly everyone aged 6 months and older. Flu poses greater risks for older adults, pregnant people, young children, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
October is considered a good time to get vaccinated because it takes about two weeks for protection to develop. Vaccination remains available later in fall, but waiting may leave less time for immunity to build before exposure. The article reports that flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. Vaccines do not prevent every infection, but they can reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
Several flu vaccine options are available. Three enhanced formulations are intended for older adults; the family physicians’ group recommends that seniors choose one when available, but not delay vaccination if it is not. A newly approved Moderna mRNA flu vaccine is an option for people aged 50 and older. A nasal spray is available for some people aged 2 to 49 who meet health criteria. Updated COVID-19 shots are also available, with federal approval focused on higher-risk groups; medical organizations’ recommendations differ by age and risk. RSV vaccination is recommended for certain older adults, while separate guidance applies to pregnancy and infant protection.
Protection Before Seasonal Spread
The timing matters because flu activity can increase after October, while vaccine protection takes time to develop. Vaccination is not a guarantee against infection, but the potential benefit is reducing severe illness, including hospitalization and death. That distinction is especially relevant to people at higher risk and those who live or work closely with them.
The recommendations also come amid uncertainty in the federal vaccine advisory process. The medical societies’ guidance gives patients and clinicians current recommendations from professional organizations, but it does not replace the CDC’s role in national public-health guidance or determine every state and insurer policy. Readers may need to check local rules and coverage, particularly for newer vaccine products.
For COVID-19 and RSV, eligibility is not identical to flu eligibility. A person’s age, health conditions, pregnancy status, and local availability can affect which vaccines are recommended or accessible. Checking with a clinician or pharmacist can help clarify which options apply.
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How Fall Vaccine Guidance Shifted
Fall vaccine recommendations typically draw on guidance from the CDC and its independent advisory panel. MedPage Today reports that this year the panel is involved in a court battle and the CDC has not updated its advice. The dispute’s details and effects on particular policies are not fully described in the supplied report.
In response, the AAP, AAFP, ACOG, and IDSA have issued guidance for their patient groups and cited supporting evidence. Their recommendations are not all identical, particularly for COVID-19 vaccination. For example, family physicians recommend COVID-19 vaccination for adults, with added emphasis on older adults and people with risk factors; pediatric guidance covers young children and higher-risk older children, while also supporting vaccination when a parent requests it.
Seasonal vaccines are commonly available through pharmacies, clinics, and pediatric practices, but access rules vary. The report says Medicare covers fall shots and that most private insurers plan to continue coverage through 2027; people considering the new Moderna flu vaccine may want to confirm their specific plan covers it.
“Vaccination isn’t “a guarantee that we’re going to prevent illness. But just like the seat belt in your car, it decreases risk” of the worst outcomes.”
— Ryan Stanton, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians
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Eligibility and Guidance Still Vary
Federal guidance has not been updated in the situation described by the report, and it remains unclear when that may change. Medical organizations have published their own recommendations, but the supplied material does not detail the court case or spell out how it will affect state rules, insurance decisions, or future CDC advice.
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and pharmacy access can vary by state, age, and health status. Coverage for the newer mRNA flu vaccine may also depend on an individual insurance plan. The report does not provide local availability, individual medical eligibility, or a complete account of RSV recommendations for infants and pregnancy; people should verify those details with a health professional or local vaccination provider.
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Check Eligibility and Book a Visit
People seeking seasonal protection can contact a clinician, pharmacy, or local clinic to confirm which vaccines are recommended and available to them. Those choosing a flu shot may want to schedule in October, while keeping in mind that vaccination remains possible later in fall and takes about two weeks to build protection.
Patients should check insurance coverage before choosing a newer product and ask about state-specific rules for COVID-19 shots, especially for children. The next broader development to watch is whether the CDC updates its recommendations and whether the advisory panel’s court dispute changes the federal guidance process.
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Key Questions
Why is October a good time to get a flu shot?
Experts cited in the report say October is a good time because flu may spread more widely later in the season and it takes about two weeks for protection to develop. Vaccination remains available later in fall.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The medical organizations cited generally recommend flu vaccination for people aged 6 months and older. Older adults, pregnant people, young children, and people with chronic health conditions face higher risks from flu, but individual questions should be discussed with a health professional.
Are COVID-19 and RSV vaccines available too?
Yes. Updated COVID-19 shots are available, with recommendations depending on age and risk. RSV protection is recommended for certain older adults, and separate recommendations apply to pregnancy and infants. Availability and eligibility can vary by location.
Does a flu vaccine prevent every infection?
No. The report says flu vaccines do not prevent all infections, but they can help reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Ryan Stanton of the American College of Emergency Physicians compared vaccination to a seat belt: it lowers risk without guaranteeing that illness will be prevented.
Where can people get vaccinated?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be available at pharmacies, clinics, and pediatric practices. Rules for COVID-19 shots vary by state, and insurance coverage for the newer Moderna flu vaccine should be checked with the insurer.
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