Idaho health professionals share the best time to get your flu shot

HAYDEN, Idaho - You may start to see advertisements for flu vaccines - but health officials said August might actually be too early to get the shot.

"The optimal time to receive your flu shot is late September or early October," said Karianne Yarnell, registered nurse and vaccine coordinator for the Panhandle Health District.

Yarnell said getting the vaccine later in the fall will help keep you protected throughout the entirety of respiratory virus season - which typically begins late September and can last all the way through April.

Respiratory virus season includes the flu as well as COVID and RSV. The peak of the season is usually in January and February.

The Panhandle Health District is offering vaccine appointments at several locations in Idaho. In addition to the office appointments, anyone can attend these flu clinics to get the influenza vaccine.

Kroc Center

1765 W. Golf Course Rd. Coeur d’Alene

9/11 & 9/18, 9am-2pm

PHD Hayden (drive-thru clinic)

8500 N. Atlas Rd. Hayden

9/23 & 10/1, 9am-2pm

Sandpoint (drive-thru clinic)

Coffelt Funeral Services, 109 N Division, Sandpoint

9/25, 10/2, 1pm-4pm

PHD St. Maries (drive-thru clinic)

137 N. 8th St. St. Maries

10/7, 9:30am-2pm

Canfield Middle School (drive-thru clinic)

1800 E. Dalton Ave. Coeur d’Alene

10/3, 4pm-7pm

Kellogg (drive-thru clinic)

Kellogg School District Office, 800 Bunker Ave, Kellogg

9/27, 11am-3:30pm

Priest Lake (drive-thru clinic)

St. Blanches Catholic Church, 27832 Hwy 57 Priest Lake

10/9, 10am-2pm

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