Do Teens and College Students Need a Flu Shot?

While it is important for everyone to receive an annual flu shot, it is especially so for teens and college students. Why? Flu viruses are known to spread from person to person through close contact. Therefore, it will probably come as no surprise that viruses and other germs can spread like wildfire among young people, many of whom share living quarters, attend crowded classes, and participate in group social activities.

When Is the Ideal Time to Get Vaccinated?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the annual flu vaccine before influenza starts spreading throughout the community in earnest. Usually, flu season begins in early autumn and tapers off by the end of spring, peaking sometime between December and March.

It’s also important to remember that after a flu shot is administered, the body’s immune system needs some time (usually a few weeks) to create and store enough antibodies to effectively fight off the influenza virus. Until it does, it is still possible to become ill with the flu.

With all of this in mind, it’s a good idea to get the flu shot early in the season. Flu shots usually become available in August, and for teens and college students, it may be best to get vaccinated before the start of the semester. Otherwise, this task might quickly move to the back burner—or be forgotten entirely—once school activities ramp up.

Get Your Flu Shot Today!

The experienced medical providers at South Tampa Immediate Care recommend getting the annual influenza vaccine whenever it’s most convenient for you. If you have questions or would like to receive a flu shot, you can call or visit our office at 602 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa, FL. We are available every day during extended hours to provide non-emergency urgent care, and you can see a Board-certified or Board-eligible doctor without an appointment.