Experts Saying Minnesotans Should Get Flu Shots in Late September

If we have learned anything from 2020 it is that we all have to do our part to stay as healthy as possible. While summer may still be happening, the flu season is just around the corner and it is better to be prepared than not.

Flu season in Minnesota runs from about October to May, and usually peaks around January/February. Naturally, medical experts are on edge for this upcoming flu season as it will be mixed with the global pandemic of COVID-19.

WCCO asked Dr. James Smith, a family medicine resident at the University of Minnesota Medical School, when the best time is to get the flu shot to hopefully avoid contracting it this year.

We want to get it in late September through October. The Centers for Disease Control recommends it by the end of October. We want to make sure that you have it late enough that you can go through the entire season.

The flu shot takes about two weeks for the antibodies to build up in an immune system so getting it too late into fall wouldn't do a whole lot of good.

Getting through flu season and COVID-19 is going to involve having healthy immune systems, and in addition to social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding contact, getting a flu shot will be a huge help.

For people who are nervous about going to a medical facility to get their vaccination, WCCO reported that several clinics around the state will be offering drive-by flu shots.

For more information on getting your flu shot, and timing it out correctly, check out WCCO's website.