From October 1, 2018 through May 4, 2019 there were approximately 43 million flu illnesses that resulted in over half a million hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths. Flu season is back again, and it is recommended that all healthcare workers get vaccinated annually against influenza.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
Optimally, vaccination should occur before onset of influenza activity in the community. Health care providers should offer vaccination by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later. Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks between December and February. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.
The CDC’s guidance on Influenza for healthcare workers.