Who Should Get a Flu Shot Every Year? Find Out

The flu shot isn’t just for certain people—it’s recommended for almost everyone aged 6 months and older. Annual vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk of flu-related complications, such as young children, seniors aged 65 and above, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Just like STD testing, getting a flu shot is a proactive step to protect not only your health but also the well-being of those around you. 

Healthcare workers and caregivers should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and the vulnerable people around them. Even if you’re healthy, a yearly flu shot helps reduce the spread of the virus, keeping you and your community safer during flu season.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot Every Year?

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, unless they have specific medical contraindications. Annual flu vaccination is essential because the influenza virus mutates each year, making last year’s vaccine less effective against new strains. It is particularly crucial for people who are more vulnerable to severe flu-related complications.

Why is a Flu Shot Needed Every Year?

The influenza virus isn’t static. It constantly evolves, creating new strains each season. This is why flu vaccines are updated yearly based on global surveillance and researchers’ predictions. Unlike vaccines for diseases like measles or mumps, the flu shot doesn’t offer long-term immunity. Your body’s defense weakens over time, so yearly protection is necessary.

The two main reasons for annual flu shots are:

1. Virus Mutation: New flu strains emerge every year.
2. Waning Immunity: Your protection from previous vaccinations fades over time.

What Happens If You Skip the Flu Shot?

If you’re wondering whether you can skip a flu shot for a year or two, here’s what you risk:

• Higher chances of contracting influenza.
• More severe symptoms if you get sick.
• Increased risk of hospitalization, especially if you’re in a high-risk category.
• Greater chance of spreading the virus to vulnerable people around you.

Skipping the flu shot doesn’t just affect your health—it affects your family, coworkers, and community.

Who is at Higher Risk of Flu Complications?

While flu vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, certain people face significantly higher risks of severe illness. Below are the groups who should prioritize getting a flu shot every year:

1. Seniors (Aged 65 and Older)

Older adults experience weakened immune systems as part of the aging process. According to CDC data, people aged 65 and older account for 50% to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths.

Why they need it:

• Higher risk of complications like pneumonia and heart issues.
• Increased risk of hospitalization and death from the flu.

2. Young Children (6 Months to 5 Years)

Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them susceptible to severe flu symptoms.

Why they need it:

• High risk of hospitalization.
• Greater chance of developing secondary infections like ear infections and pneumonia.

3. Pregnant Women

Pregnancy suppresses the immune system, increasing vulnerability to flu-related complications.

Why they need it:

• Protects both the mother and the unborn baby.
• Reduces the risk of pregnancy complications associated with the flu.
• Provides some immunity to the baby after birth.

4. People with Chronic Health Conditions

Individuals with underlying health issues should get a flu shot every year because the flu can worsen existing conditions.

High-risk conditions include:

• Asthma and other chronic lung diseases
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Weakened immune system (due to illness or medication)

Why they need it:

• Prevents worsening of chronic conditions.
• Reduces the chance of hospitalization.

5. Healthcare Workers and Caregivers

People who work in healthcare or caregiving roles are in constant contact with vulnerable populations.

Why they need it:

• Prevents spreading the flu to patients or people in their care.
• Protects their own health to maintain workforce stability.

6. Residents of Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

Close living quarters make it easy for the flu to spread rapidly in nursing homes.

Why they need it:

• High exposure risk.
• Increased chances of severe illness or death.

7. People with Obesity

Obesity, particularly a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, can impair the immune response.

Why they need it:

• Higher risk of flu complications.
• Longer recovery time and greater chance of hospitalization.

8. Indigenous Populations

Some studies have shown higher rates of flu complications and hospitalizations among American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Why they need it:

• Higher rates of underlying health conditions.
• Greater barriers to healthcare access.

When Should You Get a Flu Shot?

The ideal time to get a flu shot is early in the flu season, typically by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still offer protection. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, but outbreaks can last as late as May.

Timing Tips:

• Children 6 months to 8 years may need two doses, so start early.
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies.
• Late vaccination is better than no vaccination at all.

Common Misconceptions About Annual Flu Shots

Many people skip flu vaccination due to misinformation. Let’s clarify:

What are the Benefits of Yearly Flu Vaccination?

Beyond protecting yourself, flu vaccination helps reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems and protect people who can’t be vaccinated, like infants under six months.

Benefits include:

• Fewer flu-related hospitalizations.
• Lower risk of severe illness.
• Reduced absenteeism from work and school.
• Protection for your community through herd immunity.

Get Your Flu Shot Today — Stay Protected

At Centers Urgent Care, we understand the importance of timely flu protection. If you’re wondering who should get a flu shot every year, the answer is simple: almost everyone. But especially if you belong to a high-risk group, don’t wait.

We offer fast, high-quality urgent care services for children and adults. Whether you need a flu shot, treatment for flu symptoms, or other health services, our team is here to help. Visit our urgent care in New York today and protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule your flu vaccination.