Avoid the Flu - Get Your Vaccine Now

It’s time to get your flu vaccine.

While influenza viruses spread year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February.

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the vaccine before influenza starts spreading in your community. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. 

The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Everyone age six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications. Information on who is at risk is available here.

Some children need two doses of flu vaccine. It is recommended they get the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available because the second dose needs to be given at least four weeks after the first.

Flu vaccine is available now in many locations such as your doctor’s office, pharmacies and health departments. Find locations available in your area here. Your vaccine will help protect you throughout the 2024-2025 flu season.

The Red Cross encourages individuals to protect their own health this cold and flu season by receiving a vaccination for flu, COVID 19 or RSV. It’s important to know that getting any of these vaccines does not cause a wait period for donating blood, and does not affect donation eligibility, as long as you are healthy, feeling well and symptom free at the time of donation.

“It’s particularly important that when we see an increase in respiratory illnesses, that those who are in good health share their good health by giving blood,” said Dr. Baia Lasky for the American Red Cross.

Those who come to donate now through October 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email as a thank you. Plus, all those who come to give in October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For details on both offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Treat. Find a blood drive or schedule a donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

HELP STOP THE FLU FROM SPREADING

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
   

More information about how to help keep you and your loved ones protected from the flu is available on this website and in the free Red Cross First Aid app. Find all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.