Optimal Vaccination Timing is Mid-September Through End of October

ThedaCare is encouraging people across northeast and central Wisconsin to take steps to protect themselves against influenza, a respiratory illness that affects millions of Americans annually.

One of the best steps people can take is to get vaccinated, a physician with ThedaCare said.

“Now is the time to start planning for your flu shot,” said Dr. Dirk Steinert, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care for ThedaCare. “Cases of respiratory flu can begin to show up as early as October. Get vaccinated to give yourself and your family the best odds of avoiding flu this season.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot for individuals ages 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated helps ensure people, their loved ones and the community in general stay better protected during flu season.

The CDC recommends a high-dose flu vaccine for adults ages 65 and older. Those aged 65 or older should speak with their vaccine provider to determine which type of flu vaccine they should receive, Dr. Steinert advised.

Each year, the U.S. sees millions of cases of flu. For many people, a case of the flu means more than simply missing a few days of work or school. Some people may develop serious complications including bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections or worsening of chronic conditions. The flu and its complications may lead to hospitalization and even death.

The 2024-25 flu season led to up to 1.3 million hospitalizations and as many as 130,000 deaths, according to CDC estimates. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year.

Take the flu seriously, especially when it comes to children, Dr. Steinert said.

“Don’t underestimate the risk to kids,” he said. “Tragically, the 2024-2025 flu season resulted in 216 pediatric deaths in the U.S. The CDC said that made it the deadliest non-pandemic flu season on record.”

Protecting children against influenza starts with vaccination, he said.

“Kids between the ages of 6 months and 8 years getting the flu vaccine for the first time will need two injections at smaller doses,” Dr. Steinert explained. “In later years, they’ll need only one dose.”

Vaccination is key when it comes to protection against the flu, although it’s possible for a person vaccinated against the illness to still be infected by it, Dr. Steinert said. That’s because:

• They may be exposed to the flu before getting vaccinated or during the time their body is still gaining protection from the vaccine. Antibodies that provide protection against the flu develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination.
• They might be exposed to an influenza virus not included in the current seasonal flu vaccine. The annual flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common. However, many types of influenza viruses circulate each year.
• It’s possible to contract a different type of virus that acts similar to flu.

“Fortunately, flu vaccination has been shown in studies to reduce the severity and duration of illness in those who do get sick,” Dr. Steinert said. “And, to answer a frequent question we often are asked this time of year, no, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.”

He encouraged people to consider getting vaccinated in mid-September through the end of October for optimal protection but said but people should continue to get vaccinated as long as flu viruses pose a threat to the community.

Dr. Steinert recommended that those with lingering questions or concerns about the vaccine connect with their health care provider.

People planning to schedule their flu vaccination are encouraged to visit ThedaCare Immunizations.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including nine hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. In 2024, ThedaCare and Froedtert Health combined to form one system to strengthen local health care and provide high-quality services for treatment and prevention in a coordinated manner.