I’m traveling on Wednesday from DC to Austria. After watching the news tonight, I’m wondering if I should get a flu shot before then.

I tried to get a flu shot this week as I’ll travel soon and was told it wouldn’t be available until Oct. 1. Maybe earlier if you’re lucky where you are. If so, why wouldn’t you? I certainly would.

As MmePerdu says -- its possible there won't be availability. My HMO is scheduling flu shot clinics starting Oct 10 and there is no way to get them earlier in-plan.

Availability will vary by location - some pharmacies already are administering it. Since it takes a couple weeks for the body to fully respond, get it sooner rather than later but by the end of October. Info updated for this 2018-19 flu season is here.

I am traveling in Europe right now, having left California Aug 21. The day before I left, I went to pick up prescriptions at my pharmacy and there was a sign saying flu shots were available. I didn’t think it was a good idea to have one the day before travel ... hope I can get mine when I’m back home in a couple more weeks.

Seamus: Good info . . . It seems the OP is flying out in 4 days so would it still a good idea to get one now (if available) or wait til she returns?

Errrm.. what "news" did you watch that make you feel the need for a flu shot?

I think it is always wise to get a flu shot before a long flight. So do get one if you can. As noted above it won't be fully effective before you go, but it is better than nothing.

I’m old school, we get flu shots each year and just had ours last week. Was told they were out of the quad dose vaccine but they had the high dose available which is what we need, we’re old! Easy peasy, it’s done, we leave in 2.5 weeks for a few weeks in Scandinavia so it should be in our systems. No false sense of security having had it but in my mind it can’t hurt.

There have been reports over the last few days of three flights entering the US from Europe where authorities had to be involved because of passengers with the flu.