Think It’s Too Late For A Flu Shot? Here’s The Truth.

Every year around late October, patients tell us the same thing. They figured they missed the window on the flu shot. They were going to get it in September, time got away from them, and now they are wondering if it is even worth it anymore. It is absolutely worth it. In fact, it is better than most people realize.

Here is why. Flu season in the United States peaks between December and February, with roughly 60 to 70 percent of all flu cases happening after mid-November, according to CDC surveillance data. A flu shot takes about two weeks to build full antibody protection. So if you get one in late October or even November, you still have most of the real flu season ahead, and you are protected for all of it.

The 2024-2025 flu season was one of the worst in more than a decade. The CDC estimated roughly 45,000 flu-related deaths and 580,000 hospitalizations in that season alone. Most of those were in people who were not vaccinated. Flu is not just a bad cold. It is a serious illness that still kills tens of thousands of Americans every year, overwhelmingly among seniors, people with chronic conditions, and the very young.

At Stone Ridge Family Medicine, we offer flu shots at all three of our offices in Aldie, Sterling, and Manassas. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need an appointment just for a vaccine. Insurance covers it at no cost for most patients.

A few specifics worth knowing. Adults 65 and older benefit from the high-dose flu vaccine, which creates a stronger immune response and offers better protection in this age group. If you are 65 or over, ask for the high-dose version. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, you are in the group that should prioritize getting vaccinated this week, not next month. If you care for someone who is high risk, your vaccine protects them too.

While you are in, this is also a good time to catch up on other preventive vaccines. The updated COVID booster is available. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 75 and older, and for those 60 to 74 with certain risk factors. We can review what you need in the same visit.

A quick note on the common objections. The flu shot cannot give you the flu. It is an inactivated vaccine. Any mild fatigue or soreness for a day or two after the shot is your immune system doing its job, not an infection. And no, it is not too late. The shot you get today is working for you by mid-November.

Swing by any of our offices in Aldie, Sterling, or Manassas for your flu shot. Book online at stoneridgefamilymedicine.com if you want to add on an annual visit while you are here. Protect yourself, protect your family, and let us help you get through this season well.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView). cdc.gov/flu/weekly

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preliminary Estimated Flu Disease Burden 2024-2025 Season. cdc.gov/flu/about/burden

3. ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices). Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines, 2025-26 Season.