Flu season is right around the corner, and one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family is to get your annual flu vaccine. At Mega Health Rx Pharmacy in Forest Hills, Queens, we make it easy for our community to stay protected.
Whether you are looking for a flu shot in Forest Hills, have questions about this year's vaccine, or are wondering when the best time to get vaccinated is, here is what you should know about the 2026–2027 flu season.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions.
Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who may be at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with asthma or chronic lung disease
- People with diabetes
- People with heart disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with certain other chronic medical conditions
Even healthy adults can develop serious influenza, and vaccination also helps reduce the chance of spreading flu to family members, coworkers and others in your community.
When should I get my flu shot?
For most people, September and October are ideal months to receive a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that most people who need only one dose of flu vaccine receive it by the end of October when possible.
However, it is not too late to get vaccinated after October. Flu vaccination should continue throughout the flu season as long as influenza viruses are circulating. So if December, January or even later arrives and you have not received your flu shot yet, vaccination may still provide important protection.
What is different about the 2026–2027 flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are updated every year because influenza viruses continually change.
For the 2026–2027 flu season, all three virus components included in U.S. seasonal flu vaccines were updated compared with the previous season.
The updated vaccines are designed to provide protection against influenza strains expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season, including updated protection against an influenza A(H3N2) strain that spread widely during the previous season.
This is one of the reasons you need a new flu vaccine every year, even if you received one last season.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
There are two main reasons.
First, your immune protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time.
Second, the influenza viruses circulating in the community change from year to year. Each year's vaccine is reviewed and updated to better match the flu viruses expected to circulate during that particular season.
That means a flu shot from last year is not considered a substitute for this year's vaccination.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No. The flu shot cannot give you influenza. Flu vaccines given by injection do not contain live influenza virus capable of causing influenza illness.
Some people experience mild side effects after vaccination, including:
- Soreness where the vaccine was given
- Mild fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Low-grade fever
These symptoms are generally mild and short-lived. They are a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine — not that you caught the flu from it.
How long does it take for a flu shot to work?
Your body usually needs about two weeks after vaccination to build its strongest immune response. That is another reason it is helpful to get vaccinated before flu activity becomes widespread.
If the flu is already circulating, however, it can still be worthwhile to get vaccinated.
Is the flu shot 100% effective?
No vaccine provides 100% protection. Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year depending on factors such as:
- Which influenza viruses are circulating
- How closely the vaccine matches those viruses
- Your age
- Your health
- Your immune response
Even if vaccination does not completely prevent influenza, studies have shown that vaccination can reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and complications.
Can I get a flu shot if I am pregnant?
Yes. Flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are at increased risk for serious complications from influenza, and vaccination can help protect both the mother and the baby. Antibodies produced after vaccination can also provide some protection to the newborn during the first few months of life, before the baby is old enough to receive a flu vaccine.
If you are pregnant and have specific medical concerns, speak with your obstetrician, pharmacist or healthcare provider.
What if I have an egg allergy?
People with egg allergies can receive a flu vaccine.
CDC guidance says people with egg allergy may receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status, including egg-based vaccines. Special additional precautions are generally not required solely because of an egg allergy.
If you have experienced a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, however, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before vaccination.
Which flu vaccine should adults 65 and older receive?
Adults age 65 and older have a higher risk of serious flu complications. Certain flu vaccines are specifically designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults.
If you are 65 or older, ask our pharmacist which flu vaccine is appropriate and available for you. Your pharmacist can review your age, vaccine history and relevant medical information before vaccination.
Can I get my flu shot at a pharmacy?
Yes. Pharmacies are a convenient place for many adults to receive their flu vaccination.
At Mega Health Rx Pharmacy in Forest Hills, our pharmacy team can help you determine whether a flu vaccine is appropriate for you and answer questions you may have before vaccination. Getting vaccinated at your local pharmacy can make it easier to stay protected without having to schedule a separate doctor's appointment.
We also offer walk-in vaccinations for COVID-19, shingles, RSV and more at the same counter.
Can I get a flu shot and other vaccines at the same time?
In many cases, yes. Depending on your age, medical history and vaccination status, you may also be due for vaccines such as:
- COVID-19
- Pneumococcal vaccination
- Shingles vaccination
- RSV vaccination
- Tdap vaccination
Many vaccines can be administered during the same visit. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can review which vaccines may be appropriate for you.
Flu symptoms to watch for
Influenza often comes on suddenly. Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
Some people may also experience vomiting or diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children than adults.
If you develop severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Flu shot near me in Forest Hills, Queens
If you live or work in Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Corona or nearby Queens neighborhoods, Mega Health Rx Pharmacy is here to help you stay protected this flu season.
Our pharmacist can answer your questions about flu vaccination and help determine which vaccine is appropriate for you. A flu shot takes only a few minutes but may help protect you for the entire flu season.
Why get your flu shot at Mega Health Rx?
At Mega Health Rx, we believe pharmacy care should be personal, convenient and easy to understand. When you visit us for your flu vaccine, you can speak directly with a pharmacist about:
- Your vaccination history
- Which flu vaccine is appropriate for your age
- Medication questions
- Possible vaccine side effects
- Other vaccines you may be due for
- Prescription and insurance questions
We are proud to serve patients throughout Forest Hills and the surrounding Queens community.
Get your 2026–2027 flu shot in Forest Hills
Don't wait until flu activity is widespread. September and October are generally the best months to receive your annual flu vaccine, but vaccination can continue throughout the flu season.
Visit Mega Health Rx Pharmacy in Forest Hills, Queens for your 2026–2027 flu shot. Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your community.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Speak with your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional about which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Walk in for your flu shot
No appointment needed. Our pharmacist can review which flu vaccine is right for you and answer your questions before you get vaccinated.