By westgate • June 16, 2026

Flu Shots in the Summer. Worth It?

Sweater weather, pumpkin spice and flu shots go hand-in-hand, so it may feel unusual to consider a flu shot in the summer. But the question is worth asking: is getting a flu vaccine outside of peak season still beneficial? The short answer is that depending on the situation, it may be.

What is the Flu?

Influenza is a respiratory virus that circulates seasonally in the United States, typically peaking between late fall and early spring. However, that doesn’t mean it disappears completely in the summer. While flu activity is lower in the summer, cases can still occur, especially due to travel-related exposure. Because influenza is unpredictable, protection remains important for high-risk individuals even outside of the traditional flu season.

How does the flu vaccine work?

One of the first things to understand is how flu vaccines work. After receiving a flu shot, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protective antibodies. That immunity then gradually wanes over time. This is why annual vaccination is recommended, because your protection is strongest in the months following your shot.

Flu Vaccine Timing

If you missed the vaccine during the fall season, getting it in the summer can still provide meaningful protection if you are traveling to the southern hemisphere, where flu season peaks opposite to ours. Many people from all over the world are traveling by air, attending large events or visiting areas where they may be exposed to a variety of respiratory viruses. Airports, cruise ships and crowded indoor spaces can all increase the likelihood of transmission. Getting vaccinated in June can offer peace of mind before travel-heavy months.

Timing also matters for those with higher risk of complications. Adults over 65, young children, pregnant individuals and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease may benefit from being vaccinated as soon as it is available rather than waiting. If you receive a flu shot in the summer, your physician will likely still recommend another dose in the fall depending on your age, health status and upcoming vaccine guidance for the season.

That said, most healthy individuals who are not at increased risk and who are not traveling soon should wait until early fall when updated vaccines are released and community flu activity begins to rise again. It’s important you remain protected each year.