Walgreens rolls out nationwide flu shot appointments – TOO EARLY!

Barb & Myself always gets our flu shot the last week of Sept or the first week of Oct. The antibodies from the flu shot will peak in 2-4 weeks and  will decrease significantly at abt 3 months after being vaccinated and will most likely completely fade away by 6 months after the vaccination

The best time of the year to get your flu shot is in September or October, ideally before the end of October, to ensure optimal protection before flu activity increases1236712. This timing allows your body about two weeks to build up immunity before the flu season typically ramps up in the fall and peaks between December and February68.

Key recommendations:

  • General public: Most people should aim to get vaccinated in September or October3612.

  • Older adults (65+): Avoid getting the vaccine too early (such as in July or August), as immunity may wane before the end of flu season. Waiting until September or October is preferred612.

  • Young children needing two doses: Start the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, since the second dose needs to be given at least four weeks after the first12.

  • Pregnant individuals (third trimester): Vaccination in late summer (July or August) may be recommended to help protect infants who will be born during flu season127.

  • If you miss October: It is still beneficial to get the flu shot later; vaccination is recommended as long as flu viruses are circulating, often into spring679.

Flu activity and vaccine timing may vary each year, and personal circumstances (such as travel or underlying health conditions) could require adjustments, so consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance567.

  1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/its-good-time-get-your-flu-vaccine
  2. https://www.baystatehealth.org/articles/do-i-need-a-flu-shot
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
  4. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/how-childrens-birthdays-help-show-best-month-flu-shots
  5. https://www.memorialcare.org/blog/when-best-time-get-your-flu-shot
  6. https://historyofvaccines.org/blog/timing-your-flu-shot-science-behind-when-get-vaccinated/
  7. https://www.fffenterprises.com/vaccines/seasonal-viral-respiratory-vaccine-information/when-to-get-the-flu-shot.html
  8. https://nortonhealthcare.com/patient-resources/norton-now/flu-symptoms-treatment/annual-flu-shot/
  9. https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/whats-the-best-time-to-get-a-flu-shot
  10. https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-during-flu-season/
  11. https://www.azblue.com/inspire-health/blog/when-where-and-why-you-should-get-the-flu-shot
  12. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html

Walgreens rolls out nationwide flu shot appointments

Walgreens is now offering flu shots for anyone three years and older at stores nationwide. Individuals and families can walk into their nearest Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment online or via the retailer’s app.

Starting Aug. 1, myWalgreens members will receive 20% off their next eligible purchase with any vaccine received.

Walgreens said community pharmacies continue to serve as a trusted destination for vaccinations and other preventive healthcare services. Pharmacies accounted for the administration of almost 38 million flu vaccine doses throughout the 2024-2025 season—nearly double the 22 million doses delivered in medical offices. 

Walgreens is investing more in the experience with simplified scheduling, seamless walk-in options and whole-family appointments to make it easier for customers.

The retaileer said it is making it easy to stay healthy this year, offering convenient and timely options for vaccination, testing and treatment, offering personalized guidance from experts, coadministration made easy with scheduling enhancements and digital check-ins.

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Every year, common respiratory viruses like flu and pneumonia cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the 2024-2025 flu season was one of the most severe for people of all ages, a first since 2017-2018, Walgreens said.

Walgreens noted that the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older gets an annual flu vaccine, ideally by late October, to ensure optimal protection throughout the season.

“Vaccines are the best way to help prevent and reduce the severity of potentially deadly viruses like flu,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “At Walgreens, we’re committed to making it easy and convenient for people to get the protection they need. It is important that everyone is up to date on their recommended vaccines heading into the fall and winter, when viruses like flu are more likely to surge.”

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