When to Get a Flu Shot in New Brunswick, NJ | Ultra Care Pharmacy
When Is the Best Time to Get a Flu Shot in New Brunswick? A Pharmacist Explains.
By Dr. John , Pharm.D. Lead Pharmacist, Ultra Care Pharmacy, New Brunswick
Every fall, as the leaves begin to change around Rutgers University and the air gets a bit crisper, we start preparing for flu season. The flu is more than just a bad cold; it’s a serious respiratory illness that can lead to significant complications, especially for the most vulnerable members of our New Brunswick community.
The single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting an annual flu vaccine. But one of the most common questions I hear at our pharmacy is, "When is the
best time to get it?" Getting vaccinated too early or too late can impact its effectiveness. As your community pharmacist, I want to provide a clear, science-backed answer to help you plan.
What's Included in This Article:
The "Sweet Spot": Identifying the optimal time for most people to get their flu shot.
Why Waiting Matters: The science behind waning immunity and why getting vaccinated too early can be a problem.
Important Exceptions: Who should consider getting their flu shot as soon as it's available.
2025-2026 Flu Vaccine Facts: What you need to know about this year's vaccines.
1. The "Sweet Spot": Aim for September and October
For the vast majority of adults and children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu vaccine in September or October.
This timing is a strategic balance. It ensures you are vaccinated before flu season typically begins to ramp up in New Jersey, while also making sure your immunity lasts through the peak of the season, which often occurs between December and February. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build up protective antibodies, so getting your shot by the end of October gives you a strong shield of protection right when you need it most.
2. Why Waiting Matters: The Concept of Waning Immunity
It might seem proactive to get your flu shot as soon as it’s available in August, but for most people, this isn't the best approach. Research shows that the vaccine's effectiveness can decrease over time, a phenomenon known as waning immunity.
Think of your immune protection like a battery. It’s fully charged right after you get the shot, but it slowly loses power over the following months. If you get vaccinated in August, your protection might be significantly lower by the time the flu peaks in February. Waiting until September or October ensures your "battery" is still strong when the risk of exposure is highest.
3. Important Exceptions: When to Get Vaccinated Early
While the September-October window is ideal for most, the CDC identifies a few specific groups who should consider getting vaccinated as soon as the shot is available, even if it's in July or August.
Pregnant Women in Their Third Trimester: Getting vaccinated during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to the newborn, who is too young to be vaccinated themselves. If you are in your third trimester during the late summer, getting the shot early ensures your baby receives this crucial protection from birth.
Children (6 months to 8 years) Who Need Two Doses: Some children in this age group who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart. For these children, it's important to get the first dose as soon as it becomes available to ensure they are fully protected before flu season begins.
4. What to Know About the 2025-2026 Flu Vaccines
All Vaccines are Trivalent: For the 2025-2026 season, all flu vaccines in the U.S. are designed to protect against three strains of the virus: two Influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one Influenza B strain.
Options for Seniors (65+): Older adults have a weaker immune response. For this reason, specific vaccines like Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad are available and preferentially recommended for this age group to help create a stronger immune response.
Egg-Free Option: For those with severe egg allergies, a recombinant vaccine like Flublok is a safe and effective option.
Protecting yourself from the flu is a community effort. At Ultra Care Pharmacy, we offer a variety of flu vaccines to meet your family's needs. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call us to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to keep New Brunswick healthy this winter.