As the weather outside continues to be miserable, the number of people sick with colds, flu, COVID-19 and RSV is also on the rise. While it’s unlikely you won’t sneeze in the spring, if you do get sick, vaccines can provide you with a strong defense against the nastiest viruses and their worst versions.
Part of what makes winter illnesses so troublesome is that many viruses spread at the same time, creating what experts often call a “quad epidemic.” This means your immune system may be attacked from multiple angles at once, increasing your chances of getting sick or even contracting multiple viruses in one season. Add to that more time spent indoors, a packed schedule of social events, and dry winter air that can irritate the respiratory tract, and you have a perfect storm for the spread of infection.
Vaccines don’t just protect you personally; They also help reduce the overall amount of virus circulating in the community. This is important because fewer infections means less hospital stress, fewer absences from work and less disruption to daily life. Even if you do get sick after getting vaccinated, research consistently shows symptoms tend to be milder and recovery is faster, which can make a huge difference in quality of life during the winter.
“At a time when health care systems are often stretched thin, vaccination can reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and complications,” Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDChief Medical Advisor of Sleep City. “For adults over 50, vaccines are a great way to protect independence, heart health and lung health during the winter months.”
Dr. Dasgupta gave us independence. But which vaccines do you need? Is February too late? We asked four doctors to name one vaccine to get by February, and they all said the same thing.
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Doctors urge vaccination before end of February
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“I hope people will still get the flu vaccine by the end of February,” Dr. Dasgupta revealed. “It trains the immune system to recognize circulating flu strains and reduces the risk of infection, severe illness and hospitalization.”
Three other doctors we spoke to agreed that it’s crucial to get your flu shot in February if you haven’t already. “Now is the time to get your flu shot” Dr. Linda Yancey, MDInfectious disease experts at Memorial Hermann Health System agree. “Cold and flu season continues through the end of March, and we’re seeing a lot of flu in the United States right now.”
Fair enough, but aren’t you “supposed” to get a flu shot in the fall? Is it really worth buying it during the last month of winter? The answers to these questions reveal situations in which “two things may be true.”
“The best time to get a flu shot is between September and October,” explains Dr. Shasava Kumar, MDis a board-certified internist at a Manhattan medical office and a contributor to labfinder.com. “This window allows immunity to build up 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 flu season.”
Dr. Kumar said the flu vaccine is available and recommended for everyone over 6 months of age.
It’s also worth rolling up your sleeves if you’ve already had the flu (or suspect you have 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,” adds Dr. Mark Loveman, MDa family physician.
The good news is, you probably don’t need to put a lot of effort into getting a flu shot in February. “Vaccines are available everywhere, with common locations including doctors’ offices, local pharmacies, local health departments and community health clinics,” Dr. Kumar said. “Contact your doctor and their office to learn more about the vaccines available near you.”
Remember, it takes two weeks for your body to build immunity after getting the flu shot.
RELATED: What happens if you skip your annual flu shot in your 60s?
Other vaccines to get before the end of February
If you haven’t already had the flu shot, it’s important to get it before the end of February. However, you or a loved one may benefit from other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster vaccine). As with the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for people 6 months and older.
“We’re still seeing cases of COVID-19, and it’s good to get a booster vaccine every year,” Dr. Yancey told processionnoted that it may be time to re-enforce protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis with a TDaP booster.
“You need a TDaP booster every 10 years,” says Dr. Yancey. “The vaccine protects the person who gets it, but it also protects the baby from whooping cough, which can be fatal in babies under one year old.” That’s why your care team may recommend a booster shot when you’re pregnant: It protects your child until they are able to get the vaccine.
“People over 65 should also get RSV and pneumococcal vaccines,” she added. “These prevent pneumonia and are great to take any time of year.”
February sounds like a good time to us.
RELATED: “I Tried the First At-Home Needle-Free Flu Vaccine — Here’s What It Looks Like”
Where to find reliable vaccine advice
There’s been a lot of conflicting advice about vaccines lately, and it can be hard to know who or what to trust. “Until recently, the CDC website has been our first choice because it is based on the best and most recent scientific data,” Dr. Loveman said. “The information out there right now is generally very good, with some exceptions that your doctor can help you with.”
Dr. Loveman added that your state health departments and other major medical groups are filling in the gaps (such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). “These are the resources we use every day in our practice and the recommendations we follow for ourselves, our loved ones and our patients,” he said.
Next:
RELATED: Immunologists implore people over 50 to start this daily habit ASAP
Source:
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor, Sleepopolis
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Dr. Shasawat Kumar, MD, is a board-certified internist with a Manhattan medical office and a contributor to labfinder.com
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Dr. Mark Loafman, MD, Family Physician
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Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, infectious disease specialist, Memorial Hermann Health System
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Flu shot: What to know before rolling up your sleeves. UC San Diego Health.
This article was originally published by Parade on February 1, 2026, and first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Click here to add Parade as a preferred source.
