The 2026-2027 Flu season is right around the corner, but it isn’t quite here yet.
It’s “not possible to predict what each flu season will be like,” according to the Florida Department of Health. We know, though, that flu season typically starts and peaks in the colder months. And Florida is nowhere near cold yet.
So, is August too early to get this year’s influenza vaccine? Here’s when and where flu shots are available this year and when the CDC recommends getting one.
When is flu season in Florida?
“The flu reporting year uses standard reporting weeks outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where every year has 52 or 53 reporting weeks. Though flu season ends May 23, 2026 (week 20), surveillance continues year round.” the Florida Department of Health’s website says.
“Seasons vary in timing, severity, and duration. It is not possible to predict what each flu season will be like in Florida.”
Flu season typically starts around late September or early October, when the weather starts to cool down, and usually sticks around until the next summer, in May. Flu season typically peaks mid-winter, from around December through February.
Is August too early to get a flu shot?
You can get a flu shot whenever you see fit to do so. There are no rules about when you can or can’t get a vaccine, but the CDC does recommend waiting until September or October to get your shot.
“For most people who need only one dose of influenza vaccine for the season, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against influenza,” the CDC says. “Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.”
Here are some other things to consider when it comes to the timing of your flu shot, according to the CDC’s website:
How much is a flu vaccine? Where to get a flu shot, prices
Getting a flu shot is pretty easy. You can book an appointment or walk in to any Walgreens. You can get a free flu shot at Walgreens, depending on who your health insurance provider is.
CVS is also offering flu shots by appointment. Like at Walgreens, if you have health insurance of any kind, the flu shot is probably covered and will likely be free to you. If you want to get a flu shot before or after you do some grocery shopping, you can also get one at a Publix pharmacy.
If you don’t have insurance, here are the prices CVS has listed on its website for each version of the flu shot:
Lianna Norman is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, lotteries, rocket launches, Florida wildlife, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Is August too early to get a flu shot? When Florida flu season starts
Reporting by Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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By Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
