Flu Shot Appointments: When to Go and What to Bring

Who should get one

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says everyone 6 months and older in the United States, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine every season. CDC notes vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications.

Different vaccines are approved for different ages. CDC’s pages, checked October 23, 2026, say:

• For people younger than 65, CDC does not recommend one licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine over another.
• For people 65 and older, CDC preferentially recommends high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted flu vaccines; if none is available, another age-appropriate vaccine should be given.
• The nasal spray vaccine is an option for many people aged 2 through 49, but not for some medical conditions or during pregnancy.
• All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2026–27 season are trivalent, protecting against three flu viruses.

Ask the pharmacist or clinician which vaccine is right for you.

When to go

CDC says that for most people who need one dose, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated, and ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. CDC says it takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to develop. Getting vaccinated later in the season can still be worthwhile — ask a pharmacist or clinician.

Some children need two doses, given at least four weeks apart; CDC recommends getting the first dose as soon as vaccine is available.

Where to get vaccinated

CDC says flu vaccines are offered at many doctors’ offices and clinics, health departments, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, college health centers and some schools and workplaces. Vaccines.gov (external site) has a pharmacy finder; it says to contact the pharmacy for availability and appointments. Pharmacy age limits for vaccinating children vary, so ask before booking for a child.

Booking and what to bring

1. Book online or by phone with the pharmacy or clinic, or check whether it accepts walk-ins.
2. Complete any online consent form in advance if offered.
3. Bring photo ID, your insurance card (medical and/or pharmacy), and your vaccination record if you keep one.
4. Wear a top that makes your upper arm easy to reach.

Tell the vaccinator about allergies, any previous reaction to a vaccine, if you are pregnant, or if you are unwell that day. CDC says people with egg allergy may get any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.