Flu Shot Facts: What You Need to Know Before Rolling Up Your Sleeve

September 23, 2025

Flu season is just around the corner, and if you’re weighing whether to get a flu shot, you’re not alone. Every year, new questions pop up about timing, vaccine changes, and who should prioritize vaccination — especially if you live with chronic health conditions. Here’s the latest expert guidance for 2025, so you can protect yourself and the people you care about.

Flu season is just around the corner, and if you’re weighing whether to get a flu shot, you’re not alone. Every year, new questions pop up about timing, vaccine changes, and who should prioritize vaccination, especially if you live with chronic health conditions. Here’s the latest guidance for 2025, so you can protect yourself and the people you care about.

When Is the Right Time to Get a Flu Shot?

Timing matters when it comes to flu protection. Flu season in the U.S. usually starts in October, peaks between December and February (February is most common), and can stretch all the way into May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you aim to get vaccinated in September or October. Why? Your body needs about two weeks to build strong flu-fighting antibodies, so getting your shot before Halloween ensures you’re prepared when viral activity ramps up.

What’s Changed for the 2025–2026 Flu Season?

There’s good news: the process of updating flu vaccines is rigorous and transparent. For 2025-2026, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend trivalent vaccines (protecting against two types of influenza A and one influenza B), with single-dose formulations that are thimerosal-free — especially important for children, pregnant women, and adults. Thimerosal is a compound that has been widely used as a preservative in a number of biological and drug products. While Thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in the United States in 2001, according to the CDC, it is still used in some multi-dose vials of the influenza (flu) vaccine.

There are now more vaccine choices, including FluMist for self- or caregiver administration and the recombinant Flublok vaccine, now approved for everyone aged 9 and older.

Manufacturers start shipping vaccines to pharmacies and health care providers as early as July and August to ensure everyone has access by September.

Why Is Vaccination Essential?

Flu can be a serious illness for everyone, but chronic conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems) put you at greater risk for severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death. In the 2024–2025 season, flu caused at least 37 million infections, 480,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths across the US. The easiest, scientifically-backed tool for keeping yourself out of those numbers is a yearly flu shot.

Recent data show that the flu vaccine reduced the risk of outpatient visits by about 42–56% for adults, and up to 78% for children requiring inpatient care. Even if you don’t feel “high risk,” being vaccinated helps protect vulnerable friends, coworkers, and family members.

What Else Should You Know?

There is no preference on vaccine brands this year — experts recommend that you use whichever trivalent flu vaccine your provider offers, as there’s no favored brand or formulation for the 2025–2026 season. All flu vaccines used in the U.S. pass strict safety checks, but if you have allergies, especially to eggs or vaccine ingredients, be sure to discuss options with your doctor or pharmacist. Also, keep in mind that it takes a couple of weeks to build full immunity after your vaccination, so plan ahead and don’t wait until the flu is already circulating in your community.

Common Questions You Might Have

Can the flu shot give me the flu? – No. Flu shots use inactivated virus or no virus at all, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
What about side effects? – You might feel a sore arm, low-grade fever, or fatigue, but these usually last just a day or two. They’re a lot milder than flu symptoms.
Can I still get the vaccine if I'm sick? – If your symptoms are mild (like a sniffle), it’s okay. But if you've got a fever or feel pretty ill, it’s best to wait until you're better so the vaccine has the best chance to work.
Can I get my COVID vaccine at the same time? – Yes! Safe, convenient, and efficient.
Should I still get vaccinated if I already had the flu? – Yes. Getting sick doesn’t protect you against all strains. The vaccine gives broader coverage.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Get Protected

Getting a flu shot is a simple act; just a few minutes out of your day, but its ripple effects are powerful. You’re not only boosting your wellbeing, but also safeguarding your loved ones and your community from unnecessary illness.

At Texas Health, many primary care and family medicine providers offer flu shots and other recommended vaccines during routine visits — for both adults and children. Some locations may also host vaccine clinics or offer convenient walk-in options throughout the fall.

Tip: You can schedule a flu shot at a Texas Health Physicians Group location or your local Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care. Alternatively, Texans can call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org to find information on vaccine availability from local public health departments and other nearby non-profit organizations that offer free or low-cost vaccinations.

To find a family practice physician on staff with Texas Health, visit TexasHealth.org/Doctors.