PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — As we head into fall, we are getting closer to flu season, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting a flu shot. Those thoughts should also consider when the best time is to get your flu shot, according to Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
“Flu seasons typically runs from October to March or even April in our region. Flu shots are usually effective for about six months, so getting your flu shot in October should protect you until March. If you get the flu shot too early, it will wane before flu season is over, making it easier for you to get the flu in the spring,” Julie Tutt, RN, infection prevention specialist at AR Gould.
Of course, no two flu seasons are alike, according to Tutt, and some can start earlier or later in the year. She notes that the Centers for Disease Control typically recommends getting your flu shot in September or October.
To help people get vaccinated against the flu, AR Gould will offer four flu shot clinics in October:
Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (adults) Northern Light Health Center, 23 North Street (as part of AR Gould’s Fall Health Fair)
Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (adults) drive thru on the AR Gould Hospital campus, 140 Academy Street
Saturday, October 12 from 1–3 pm (adults) drive thru at the Northern Light Health Center in Fort Fairfield, 23 High Street
Saturday, October 26 from 9-11 a.m. (pediatric) Northern Light Health Center, 23 North Street (pediatrics office)
Flu shots are also available through your primary care provider, at local retail pharmacies and through flu shot clinics offered through other community organizations.
“It isn’t really important where you get your flu shot, so much as that you do get one and that you get it at the right time to give you the most protection,” says Tutt.
She also reminds people that while vaccines are a great tool in preventing people from getting sick, it’s also important for people to stay home when they are sick.
“A lot of us try to power through illness so we don’t let down our coworkers, but the best thing we all can do to prevent the spread of illness is to stay home,” Tutt says. “Follow the protocols that your work has in place, so you don’t spread illness to other people. Here at AR Gould, if a person has a fever, then they must be fever free for 24 hours without the help of medications before they can return to work. These protocols may seem excessive, but we have them in place so staff and patients stay safe.”
If someone has questions about whether getting a flu shot is right for them, they should contact their primary care provider to learn more.
