How Long Does the Flu Shot Last, also known as the influenza vaccine, is an essential tool in preventing the flu, a contagious respiratory illness. However, it's important to understand that the protection it offers is not indefinite.
The effectiveness and duration of the flu shot can vary from person to person and year to year. Generally, the flu shot is designed to provide protection for a single flu season, which typically lasts from late fall to early spring. During this time, the flu shot is crucial in reducing the risk of contracting and spreading the flu.
The immunity conferred by the flu shot begins within about two weeks of receiving the vaccine and peaks after a month. While the vaccine's protection starts to wane over time, it can still offer some degree of defense against the flu.
To maintain effective immunity, it's recommended to receive a flu shot annually. The flu virus mutates and evolves, leading to different strains each season. Consequently, new vaccines are developed each year to target the prevalent strains, making it necessary to get a new shot to stay protected.
For certain populations, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, the flu shot's effectiveness may be lower, so it's especially crucial for them to receive the vaccine annually and take other preventive measures like good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.