The Importance of Getting the Flu Vaccine Early

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Posted: Aug 11th, 2025 at 12:00AM - by Ashlee Arnold/Vice President

The Importance of Getting the Flu Vaccine Early at e7 Health

Influenza remains a serious public health threat each year, leading to hospitalizations and even deaths. At e7 Health, we strongly encourage our patients and community members to receive the flu vaccine early in the season to maximize protection for individual wellness and for community health. Here’s why early vaccination is essential, how the 2025–2026 vaccine is composed, and how our clinic supports you.

Why Vaccinate Early

Timing and Flu Season Dynamics

Flu season in the U.S. typically runs from August through May, with activity peaking between December and February. Viruses circulate widely during cooler months, and outbreaks often accelerate quickly once flu begins spreading.

Crucially, once you receive the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for your immune system to build sufficient antibodies to ward off infection. By getting vaccinated in September or October, you ensure protection well before flu activity peaks.

Duration of Protection

Protection from a flu shot generally lasts up to six months, covering most of the flu season. Delaying until late winter or spring might leave individuals less protected or unprotected entirely before viral circulation wanes.

Effectiveness & Hospitalization Prevention

Data from the 2024–2025 influenza season show that vaccination reduced the risk of outpatient visits by 36–60 %, and hospitalization by 41–78 %, depending on age group and setting. Even in years with imperfect strain matches, the vaccine significantly reduces severe illness.

Protecting the Community

Vaccinating early helps reduce transmission even before flu reaches its peak. This is especially important in healthcare settings such as ours, where vulnerable patients are cared for daily. Workplace vaccination, in particular healthcare environments, is recommended by the CDC and OSHA to limit transmission risks.

Benefits of Early Vaccination at e7 Health

Optimizing Timing for Protection

By vaccinating in September or October, you ensure peak antibody levels ahead of flu’s typical December–February surge when community transmission is highest.

Preventing Severe Outcomes

Getting the flu shot reduces risk of severe disease, hospitalization, or even death especially for high-risk groups like older adults, those with chronic conditions, or caregivers. Vaccination remains the best defense.

Supporting Herd Immunity

The more people vaccinated early, particularly healthcare workers and patients at e7 Health, the lower the overall risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals, yet another reason we promote early uptake.

Who Should Get the Vaccine Early?

Everyone 6 Months and Older

CDC recommends that nearly all individuals at least 6 months old receive annual flu vaccination—even healthy adults. Special emphasis is placed on older adults, pregnant individuals, children under 5, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Healthcare Personnel and Front Office Staff

Staff in healthcare and reception areas are frequently exposed and can transmit influenza to patients. Workplace vaccination policies strongly recommend early vaccination for these roles.

Family Members and Caregivers of Vulnerable Individuals

Vaccinating before widespread community activity helps shield infants, older adults, and immunocompromised household members.

Anyone Intent on Travel or Public Interaction

Early vaccination is wise if you plan to travel, especially in winter, or will be caring for groups (like children or the elderly).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why not wait until flu season starts?

A: Because it takes two weeks to develop immunity, and flu often begins circulating in early fall. Delaying risks being unprotected during early waves and missing the most effective vaccination window.

Q: Is protection permanent?

A: No. Immunity wanes over six months, so early vaccination might decline by late spring but that timing aligns with the end of the typical flu season, making early shots ideal.

Q: What if strains change mid-season?

A: Annual surveillance informs vaccine composition each spring to anticipate dominant strains. While effectiveness can vary, even a less-perfect match can reduce severity and complications.

Q: Can I still get it in January or later?

A: Yes. Vaccination later in the season still provides meaningful protection if flu is circulating. But early is best.

Q: Are there safety concerns?

A: Flu vaccines are considered safe. Common side effects are mild (soreness, low fever, fatigue). They do not cause flu infection. Serious reactions are extremely rare, and any risks are far outweighed by the benefits.

How e7 Health Makes It Easy

Convenient Scheduling: We offer early-season flu clinics including weekend and evening hours starting in September. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be booked online or by phone.

Informed Staff and Care Coordination: Our team takes time to explain vaccine benefits and answer questions, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or concerns about side effects.

Accepting All Standard Formulations: We stock egg-based, cell-based, and recombinant trivalent vaccines including brands like Flulaval and Fluarix covering broad age groups starting at 6 months of age.

Tracking and Reminders: We monitor vaccination status and send friendly reminders to patients still needing their flu shot, especially high-risk individuals.

Take-Home Message

Get vaccinated early… ideally September or October to ensure optimal protection during flu’s peak months.

The 2025–26 trivalent influenza vaccine targets the most current circulating strains, offering strong protection against A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria lineages.

Effective protection builds in two weeks and lasts up to six months, covering the core flu season and beyond. Even if vaccinated later, it’s never too late, especially if viruses are still circulating mid-season. For healthcare personnel and reception staff, early vaccination not only protects you, it protects patients and helps maintain clinic operations.

At e7 Health, we’re committed to making flu vaccination accessible and informative. Our early-season clinics, educational support, and reminder systems help you take proactive steps for health. Influenza is not just a simple illness, it can be unpredictable and, in some cases, devastating. With updated vaccines tailored each year and early vaccination, we can significantly reduce that burden.

At e7 Health, we believe in empowering individuals and the community through prevention. By choosing to get your flu vaccine early in the fall, you're not only protecting yourself but helping protect others. Let’s work together this season to keep our patients, families, and broader Las Vegas community as healthy as possible.

If you have questions about vaccine eligibility, scheduling, or what formulation is right for you, our clinic team is ready to help. Thank you for prioritizing your health and helping us build a safer, stronger community.

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