Doctors are urging people to get the vaccine before the end of February

You still have time to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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

As the weather outside continues to get scary, so do the numbers of colds, flu, COVID-19, and RSV.Although you're unlikely to get into the water without sneezing, if you do get sick, the vaccine can provide strong protection against the worst of the virus and its most severe forms.

Part of what makes winter illnesses so complicated is that many of these viruses circulate at the same time, in what experts often call a "quademic."This means that your immune system can attack from more than one angle at once, increasing your chances of getting sick – even more than one virus in one season.Add more time spent on the sidelines.Indoors, with a packed social calendar and dry winter air that irritates the respiratory tract, it's a 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 is important because fewer infections mean less burden on hospitals, fewer missed workdays and less disruption to daily life.Even if you do become ill after vaccination, research consistently shows that symptoms tend to be milder and recovery is quicker, which can significantly impact quality of life during the winter months.

“Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness.Hospital admissionand complications at a time when the healthcare system is often stretched,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleepopolis. “For adults over 50, vaccines are a great way to protect their independence, heart health and lung health during the winter months.”

Dr. Dasgupta was our independence. But what vaccinations do you need and it's already late February?We asked four doctors to name the one vaccine to get before February, and they all said the same thing.

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Get this vaccine before the end of February, doctors ask

"I would like people to get the flu shot by the end of February," says Dr. Dasgupta."This trains the immune system to recognize circulating flu strains and reduces the risk of infection, serious illness and hospitalization."

The other three doctors we spoke with 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,” agrees Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System.

Fair enough, but aren't you "supposed" to get a flu shot in the fall?Is it worth getting in the last full month of winter?Answers to these questions reveal the possibility that "something might be true."

"The best time to get the flu shot is between September and October," explains Dr. Shasawat Kumar, MD, board-certified internist at Manhattan Medical Offices and contributor to labfinder.com."This window allows you to build immunity before peak flu season, which usually runs from December to March. Remember, it's never too late to get vaccinated. February is not too late, because you can still get respiratory illness later in the season."disease."

Dr.Kumar shares that the flu vaccine is available and recommended for anyone over 6 months of age.

It's also a good idea to get an arm shot if you've had the flu (or think you've had it but haven't been tested).

The good news is that you don't have to put on a lot of muscle to get a flu shot in February."Vaccines are widely available, including doctor's offices, local pharmacies, local health departments and health clinics," says Dr. Kumar."Contact your doctor and his office to learn more about vaccines near you."

Just keep in mind that it takes two weeks for your body to build up immunity after getting a flu shot.

RELATED: What happens if you miss your annual flu shot at age 60?

Other vaccines must be obtained before the end of February

The chart is a serious drug before February, but you can't do it.You or you may have a cultivated disease.

"We're still seeing cases of COVID and it's possible to get a booster every year."Dr. Yancey told Parade that it may be time to restore protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis with a TDaP booster.

"You need a TDaP booster every 10 years," says Dr. Yancey."The vaccine protects people who get it, but it also protects babies from pertussis, which can be fatal in babies younger than 1 year."That's why your care team will recommend a booster when you're pregnant: It protects your little one until he gets the vaccine.

"People over 65 should also get RSV and pneumococcal vaccines," she adds."These prevent pneumonia and it's good to have them at any time of the year."

February seems like a good time for us.

RELATED: 'I Tried My First Flu Vaccine 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 go-to site because it was based on the best and most recent scientific information," said Dr.Luffman."The current knowledge is pretty good, with a few exceptions that your doctor can help you find."

Dr.Lawafman suggests that your state health department and other major medical groups fill in the gaps (think the American accademy of pediatrix and gynecologists)."These are resources that we use every day in practice, as well as for our patients," he said.

Related: Immunologists to people over 50 to start working in the usual job asap

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor to Sleepopolis

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

Dr. Mark Loafman, MD, is a family physician

Bowing. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System

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 was first published in Health & Wellness.Add Parade as a favorite source by clicking here.