As the weather outside continues to be terrible, the number of people coming from colds, flu, covid-19 and RSV is also decreasing. Although it’s unlikely you’ll make it to spring without a single sneeze, vaccines offer strong protection against the worst viruses and their worst versions if you do get sick.
Part of what makes winter illnesses so difficult is that many of these viruses are circulating at the same time, in 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 the same season. Add in more time spent indoors, packed social calendars and dry winter air that inflames the respiratory tract, and it’s the perfect storm for infections to spread.
Vaccines don’t just protect you personally; They also help reduce the overall amount of virus spreading in the community. That’s important because fewer infections mean less stress in hospitals, fewer missed work days and fewer disruptions to daily life. Even if you do get sick after getting the vaccine, research consistently shows milder symptoms and faster recovery, which can make a big difference in quality of life during the winter months.
“Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and complications when health care systems are often stretched,” he says. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDChief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “For adults over 50, vaccinations are the best way to protect independence, heart health and lung health this winter.”
Dr. Dasgupta gave us freedom. Which vaccine do you need, though, and is February too late? We asked four doctors to name a vaccine they received before February, and they all said the same thing.
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Get this vaccine before the end of February, doctors urge
Catherine Falls Commercial and Getty Images (Catherine Falls Commercial and Getty Images)
“I want people to get the flu vaccine before the end of February,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. “This trains the immune system to recognize circulating influenza strains and reduces the risk of infection, serious illness and hospitalization.”
All three other doctors we spoke to agreed it’s important to get a flu shot in February if you haven’t already. “Now is the time to get a flu shot,” Dr. Linda Yancey, MDAn infectious disease specialist for Memorial Hermann Health System, agrees. “Cold and flu season lasts until the end of March, and we’re seeing a lot of influenza in the U.S. right now.”
Fair enough, but aren’t you “supposed” to get your flu shot in the fall? Is it worth getting it in the last months of winter? The answer to these questions is that “two things can be true.”
“The best time to get the flu vaccine is from September to October,” explains Dr. Shaswat Kumar, MDBoard-certified internist with medical offices in Manhattan and labfinder.com contributor. “This window allows immunity to build before peak flu season, which typically lasts from December to March. Remember, it’s never too late to get vaccinated. February is not too late, as you can still be affected by respiratory illness later in the season.”
Dr. Kumar says flu shots are available and recommended for everyone over 6 months.
If you’ve already had the flu (or you suspect but haven’t been tested) it’s worth rolling up your sleeves. “Even if you’ve had the flu this season, the vaccine can help prevent serious illness from other types of viruses that may put you at risk,” he adds. Dr. Mark Lofman, MDA family physician.
The good news is that you don’t have to put on much muscle to get a flu shot in February. “Vaccines are widely available, in common places including doctors’ offices, local pharmacies, your local health department and community health clinics,” Dr. Kumar says. “Reach out to your doctor and their office to learn more about vaccines available near you.”
Just keep in mind that it takes two weeks for your body to build up immunity after you get the flu shot.
Related: What Happens If You Skip Your Annual Flu Shot in Your 60s?
Other vaccines to be received before the end of February
A flu shot is an important vaccination 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 COVID cases, and it’s good to get a booster every year.” Dr. Yancey explains paradeNote that it may be time to boost your protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis with a TDaP booster.
“You need a TDaP booster every 10 years,” Dr. Yancey says. “The vaccine protects people who get it, but it also protects children from pertussis, which can be fatal for infants under one year old.” That’s why your care team will recommend a booster anytime you’re pregnant: it protects your little one until they’re vaccinated.
“People over 65 should also get the RSV and pneumococcal vaccines,” she adds. “It prevents pneumonia and is good to have at any time of the year.”
February seems like a good time for us.
RELATED: ‘I Tried the At-Home, Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for the First Time—Here’s What It’s Like’
Where to find reliable vaccination advice
There is a lot of conflicting advice about vaccines these days, and it can be challenging to know who or what to trust. “Until recently, the CDC website was our go-to site because it was based on the best and latest scientific data,” Dr. Lofman said. “Now the information out there is generally still pretty good, with a few exceptions your doctor can help you sort through.”
Dr. Lofman adds that your state’s health department and other major medical groups are filling in the gaps (think the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). “These are resources that we use in practice every day, and are advice that we follow for ourselves and our loved ones as well as our patients,” he says.
Next:
RELATED: Immunologists Urge People Over 50 to Start Doing This 1 Daily Habit ASAP
Sources:
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleepopolis
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Dr. Shasawat Kumar, MD, board-certified internist at Manhattan Medical Office and labfinder.com contributor
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Dr. Mark Lofman, MD, a family physician
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Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, infectious disease specialist for Memorial Hermann Health System
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Flu Shots: What 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 the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a favorite source by clicking here.
