The best time to get a flu shot is between September and October. The NYC Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every year. Children, older adults, pregnant women, health care workers and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease should be especially careful to get one. People with insurance can usually get the shot at no out-of-pocket cost at pharmacies and their doctor's office, while uninsured New York City residents can get it free or at low cost at H+H hospitals and local clinics.
With cooler mornings and evenings, flu season has begun. The NYC Health Department recommends getting a flu shot every year between September and October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop, so getting vaccinated before November, when the flu begins to spread widely, is most effective.
The recommendation applies to everyone 6 months and older. Even if you got a shot last year, you need to get vaccinated again every year, because the circulating viruses change from year to year and immunity declines over time. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, health care workers and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are a particular priority.
With Insurance, Go to a Pharmacy; Without It, Go to H+H
If you have insurance, you can usually get the shot at a neighborhood pharmacy or your primary care doctor's office at no out-of-pocket cost. Many pharmacies accept walk-ins, but booking online is more convenient if you want to avoid busy hours. New York City residents who are uninsured or underinsured can get vaccinated free or at low cost at facilities run by H+H (Health + Hospitals), the city's public hospital system, and at community clinics. You can find a nearby location on the NYC Health Map or by calling 311.
New Jersey residents can get information on where to be vaccinated from their local health department, in addition to neighborhood pharmacies and primary care doctors' offices. Some counties and towns hold free or low-cost vaccination events, so it is a good idea to check your local health department's website.
In New York City, flu vaccination is sometimes required for school and day care enrollment, so families with children should check notices from their school. You can also ask about COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at this time, so asking about all of them at once when you visit a pharmacy or your doctor can save you extra trips.