The short version: if you are six months or older, current guidance still recommends a yearly flu shot, and the best time to get it is September or October. In Allegany County, that makes early fall the moment to plan your visit, before flu starts circulating and before the seasonal rush. Getting your flu shot on the calendar early is one of the simplest things you can do for the season ahead.
At Highland Healthy Living in Cumberland, MD, we field the same questions every fall about flu, COVID, and RSV. Here is what is currently advised, and how to think about timing this year.
What Has Changed This Year, and What Has Not
Vaccine recommendations get reviewed every year, and the detailed 2026-2027 guidance is still being finalized as of this writing. That is worth saying plainly, because it has been in the news. What has held steady is the core recommendation from the CDC’s advisory committee: annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone six months and older who does not have a reason to avoid it.
For anything that is still being updated, the best move is not to guess from headlines. Your provider can give you the current, personalized answer based on your age and health. You can also check the CDC’s flu vaccination guidance for the latest.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot
The standing recommendation is broad on purpose. Almost everyone six months and older is advised to get a yearly flu shot, with rare exceptions for specific medical reasons. It matters even more for people at higher risk of complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
If you are not sure whether you have a reason to avoid it, that is exactly the kind of thing to ask at a visit. For most people, the answer is a straightforward yes.
The Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot
For most people who need a single dose, September and October are the sweet spot, and ideally you want to be vaccinated by the end of October. It takes about two weeks for your body to build up protection, so this timing gets you covered before flu activity climbs in late fall and winter.
There is a reason not to rush it too early. For most adults, especially those 65 and older, getting vaccinated in July or August can mean protection fades a bit before flu season peaks. And if you are reading this later in the year, do not skip it. It is never really too late to get a flu shot, because the flu can circulate well into spring.
What to Expect After Your Shot
Flu shots are very safe, and most side effects are mild and short-lived. A sore arm is the most common, and some people notice a low-grade fever, mild aches, or tiredness for a day or so. That is your immune system responding, not the flu itself, since the shot cannot give you the flu.
You do not need to avoid much afterward. Normal activity is fine, and any soreness usually fades within a day or two. If you ever have a reaction that feels severe or unusual, reach out to your provider.
RSV Vaccine: Who Is Eligible
RSV is another respiratory virus that can be serious for older adults, and there is now a vaccine for it. Current guidance recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for adults 75 and older, and for adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe illness.
Unlike the flu shot, the RSV vaccine is not an every-year vaccine for most people. If you are in one of these age groups, it is worth asking your provider whether it makes sense for you.
COVID Vaccine: An Individual Decision
COVID vaccination is currently framed around individual-based decision-making for most people. In plain terms, that means the choice depends on your personal risk, and it is a conversation worth having rather than a blanket rule. The benefit tends to be greatest for those at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults.
Because this is one of the areas being reviewed for the season, your provider is the best source for a current, personalized recommendation. We are happy to talk it through with you.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Cumberland
You do not have to drive out of the county or sit in a long pharmacy line. As part of primary care, we offer seasonal vaccines right here, and getting them at your own provider’s office means they can be added to your record and matched to your health history. If your family needs vaccines too, our childhood vaccination guide covers what kids need and when.
Getting everyone protected in one place, from one team that knows your family, is simply easier than piecing it together.
Can You Get More Than One Vaccine at Once?
Yes, and it is a common question in the fall. For most people, it is safe to get more than one vaccine at the same visit, such as a flu shot alongside an RSV or COVID vaccine if you are due for them. Combining them saves you a trip, and your provider will let you know if there is any reason to space them out in your particular case.
Doing it all in one visit also makes it easier to stay on track. Instead of trying to remember which shot you still need, you and your provider can map out the whole season’s plan together and check it off in one sitting.
Common Questions About Flu and Seasonal Vaccines
When should I get my flu shot this year?
September or October is ideal for most people, with the goal of being vaccinated by the end of October. It is never too late, though, since flu can circulate into spring.
Am I eligible for the RSV vaccine?
Current guidance recommends it for adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 at increased risk of severe RSV. Ask your provider whether you qualify.
Is the COVID vaccine still recommended for me?
COVID vaccination is currently based on individual risk and decision-making. Your provider can give you a personalized recommendation based on your age and health.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No. The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Mild soreness, a low fever, or tiredness for a day are signs your immune system is responding, not an infection.
Can I get vaccinated at Highland Healthy Living?
Yes. We offer seasonal vaccines as part of primary care, so you can get protected and keep it on your record without an extra trip.
Fall arrives quickly, and a few minutes now can save you a miserable week later. If you are due for a flu shot or want to sort out which seasonal vaccines are right for you, we are glad to help. You can contact our office to schedule your visit.
Medically reviewed by April Dawson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. This article is for education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Vaccine recommendations for the season are being finalized; your provider will confirm what is current for you.
Need to talk to a provider about this?
Highland Healthy Living offers same-day visits in Cumberland, MD. No referral needed.
