Flu season begins as early as October and can last until May. And though October and November are prime vaccination months, getting a shot in December or later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January and beyond in most years. [19]

Seasonality of Influenza [2]

Month of Peak Influenza Activity - US 1976 - 2006

How to prepare for seasonal flu all year long

Efforts to protect against the flu should last all year. Even before and after the critical vaccination months, there's plenty you can do to prepare for the next outbreak.

• Early in the year, allocate funds for a successful annual flu vaccination, and prebook vaccines. Certain manufacturers may require prebooking as early as January for the coming flu season.
• Spend summer months educating patients and staff, planning for upcoming vaccination clinics, sending reminder e-mails and newsletters and ordering promotional materials.
• In the fall, set up an on-site vaccination clinic for employees and staff at the onset of flu season to minimize the risk of spreading the flu to others. Vaccination is the single best protection against getting the flu. Click here for more information on who is at high risk for serious flu complications.
• Continue vaccinations throughout the flu season, which often hits its peak in February.

Healthcare workers — Download your Immunization Program Checklist here.

Employers — Download your 2008 Influenza Planning Calendar here.

Visit GSKVaccinesDirect.com for ordering and prebooking flu vaccine.

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