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When Should You Get a Flu Shot and Who Needs One Most?
This content is provided for general information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult your doctor.
With flu season approaching, many Menlo Park residents may be asking the same important questions: Who should get a flu shot, when should they receive it and is it safe? In this edition of Dr. Rick Informs, Dr. Rick Lehman shares his guidance.
When Should You Get a Flu Shot?
Dr. Rick recommends receiving a flu shot in September or October.
If it is already September and you are considering vaccination, Dr. Rick says now is the time.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Dr. Rick identifies nine groups that may particularly benefit from flu vaccination:
- People aged 65 or older
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with heart disease
- People with lung disease
- People with diabetes
- People with renal or kidney disease
- People who are immunocompromised
- Health care workers and people who reside in nursing homes
For these groups, Dr. Rick strongly emphasizes the importance of vaccination.
How Effective Is the Flu Shot?
Dr. Rick cites figures from the 2025–26 flu season indicating that vaccination was 22% to 34% effective and reduced flu-related hospitalizations by approximately 30%.
The effectiveness of a flu vaccine can vary, but Dr. Rick emphasizes that vaccination can still provide important protection.
For the 2026–27 flu season, the flu vaccine is trivalent, which means it is designed to cover three strains.
Is the Flu Shot Safe?
Dr. Rick explains that flu shots are generally very safe.
Severe allergic reactions are possible, but they are very rare. Anyone who has previously experienced a serious allergic reaction following vaccination should seek individualized medical guidance before receiving a flu shot.
Dr. Rick also highlights Guillain-Barré syndrome as an important consideration for anyone who has previously experienced it following a flu vaccination.
For everyone else, as Dr. Rick says, “Rock and roll!”
The Three Different Types of Flu Shots
Dr. Rick discusses three flu vaccines:
Fluzone High-Dose
Fluzone High-Dose is designed to produce a stronger immune response in adults aged 65 and older.
Dr. Rick particularly highlights this option for older adults.
Flublok
A significant antigen. It’s also egg-free, and it’s recombinant.
Fluad
Dr Rick discusses Flublok as the third vaccine. It’s a standard dose and the shot most people will get.
The appropriate flu vaccine can depend on a person’s age and medical circumstances.
“Make sure you discuss all of your medications with your Doctor. Medicines may be problematic for your tendon health. Also discuss any supplements you are taking.”
Dr. Rick Lehman
The Bottom Line
September and October are important months for flu vaccination.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone, but priority groups include older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, health care workers, and nursing home residents.
Flu shots are generally very safe, and the 2026–27 vaccine is designed to protect against three strains.
Stay active, stay healthy and get vaccinated.
About Dr. Rick Lehman
Dr. Rick Lehman, MD, FACS, is a globally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, orthobiologics, cartilage restoration, and joint preservation. Through his practices in Menlo Park, California and St. Louis, Missouri, he helps elite athletes, active individuals, and weekend warriors stay in motion through personalized, evidence-based care.
Learn more about Dr. Rick Lehman, or explore his clinic locations in Menlo Park and St. Louis.
