Doctors urge people to get this vaccine before the end of February

As the weather outside continues to be frightful, so do the number of people coming down with colds, flu, COVID-19 and RSV. While you’re unlikely to make it to spring without a single sneeze, vaccines provide a powerful defense against the nastiest viruses and their worst versions if you do get sick.

Part of what makes winter illnesses so complicated is that many of these viruses are circulating at the same time, creating what experts often call a “quad-demic.” This means your immune system can be hit from multiple angles at once, increasing your chances of getting sick or even catching more than one virus in a single season. Add in more time spent indoors, packed social calendars and dry winter air that irritates the respiratory tract and is the perfect storm for spreading infections.

Vaccines don’t just protect you as an individual; they also help reduce the overall amount of viruses circulating in the community. This matters because fewer infections mean fewer calls to hospitals, fewer days of work missed, and fewer disruptions to daily life. Even if you do get sick after being vaccinated, research consistently shows that symptoms tend to be milder and recovery is quicker, which can make a huge difference in quality of life during the winter months.

“Vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications at a time when health systems are often stretched,” it states. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDthe lead medical advisor for Sleepopolis. “For adults over 50, vaccines are a great way to protect independence, heart health and lung health this winter.”

Dr. Dasgupta had us at independence. However, what vaccines do you need and is February too late? We asked four doctors to name the one vaccine we need to administer before February and they all said the same thing.

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Get this vaccine before the end of February, doctors urge

“The flu vaccine is one that I would like people to get before the end of February,” reveals Dr. Dasgupta. “It trains the immune system to recognize circulating flu strains and reduces the risk of infection, severe illness and hospitalization.”

All three other doctors I spoke to agreed that it’s essential to get your flu shot in February if you haven’t already. “Now is the time to get your flu shot,” Dr. Linda Yancey, MDan infectious disease expert for Memorial Hermann Health System, agrees. “Cold and flu season runs through the end of March, and we’re seeing a lot of flu in the U.S. right now.”

Fair enough, but aren’t you “supposed” to get your flu shot in the fall? Is it really worth getting it in the last full month of winter? The answers to these questions reveal a case of “two things can be true.”

“The best time to get the flu shot is from September to October,” he explains Dr. Shasawat Kumar, MDa board-certified internist with Manhattan Medical Practices and a labfinder.com contributor. “This window allows immunity to build up before peak flu season, which typically runs from December to March. Remember, it’s never too late to get your shot. February isn’t too late because you can still be affected by respiratory illnesses later in the season.”

Dr. Kumar says the flu shot is available and recommended for everyone over 6 months.

It’s also worth rolling up your sleeves if you’ve already had the flu (or suspect you’ve had it but haven’t been tested). “Even if you’ve already had the flu this season, the vaccine can help prevent serious illness from other strains of the virus you may be exposed to,” he adds. Dr. Mark Loafman, MDfamily doctor.

The good news is that you probably don’t have to put on much muscle to get a flu shot in February. “Vaccines are widely available, with common locations including doctors’ offices, local pharmacies, the local health department and community health clinics,” says Dr. Kumar. “Contact your doctor and their office to learn more about vaccines available near you.”

Remember that it takes two weeks for your body to develop immunity after you get the flu shot.

Related: What happens if you skip your annual flu shot at age 60?

Other vaccines to take before the end of February

The flu shot is an important shot to get before the end of February if you haven’t already. However, you or a loved one may benefit from others, including the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster). Like the flu shot, the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are available to people 6 months of age and older.

“We’re still seeing cases of COVID, and the reminder is good to get every year.” says Dr. Yancey Paradenoting that it may also be time to boost your protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis with a TDaP booster.

“You need a TDaP booster every 10 years,” says Dr. Yancey. “The vaccine protects those who get it, but it also protects babies against pertussis, which can be fatal for infants under one year old.” That’s why your care team will recommend a booster every time you’re pregnant: It protects your little one until they can get their shots.

“People over 65 should also get the RSV and pneumococcal vaccines,” she adds. “These prevent pneumonia and are good to get at any time of the year.”

February sounds like a good time for us.

Related: “We tried the first flu shot at home, without needles – Here’s what it’s like”

Where to find reliable vaccine advice

There has been a lot of conflicting advice about vaccines lately, and it can be a challenge to know who or what to trust. “Until recently, the CDC website was our starting point because it was based on the best and most recent scientific data,” says Dr. Loafman. “The information out there now is generally very good, with a few exceptions that your doctor can help you sort out.”

Dr. Loafman adds that your state health department and other major medical groups fill in the blanks (think the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). “These are the resources we use every day in practice and the advice we follow for ourselves and our loved ones as well as our patients,” he says.

Next:

Related: Immunologists Urge Over-50s to Start Doing This 1 Daily Habit ASAP

Sources:

• Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis

• Dr. Shasawat Kumar, MD, board-certified internist with Manhattan Medical Practices and labfinder.com contributor

• Dr. Mark Loafman, MD, family physician

• Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease expert for Memorial Hermann Health System

• Flu shots: What you need to know before you roll up your sleeves. UC San Diego Health.

This story was originally published by Parade on February 1, 2026, where it first appeared in Health & Wellness. Add Parade as a favorite source by clicking here.