Medically reviewed by Shane D. Naidoo, MD
Medical Director, TrufaMED Urgent Care & Concierge Medicine
Board-Certified, Emergency Medicine
Last reviewed: October 2026
October is the peak month for flu vaccination in the US. Florida’s flu season can start ramping in November, so the next four weeks are the window to get protected before peak transmission. This post is the late-stage push: where to get it fast, what to bring, and what to do if you have already had flu this year.
Walk-In And Scheduled Visits
Walk-in and scheduled visits are available 7 days a week at our Surfside clinic at 9445 Harding Ave. Reserve a spot online to skip the waiting room. Visit takes about 15 minutes including paperwork and observation.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and Costco all administer flu shots throughout October. Pharmacy is convenient but pharmacy staff are not equipped for clinical questions; if you have specific concerns about the vaccine for your situation, a clinical visit is more appropriate.
What To Bring
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Short-sleeve shirt or one that easily exposes the upper arm
- List of any medications and allergies
If You Already Had Flu This Year
Get vaccinated anyway. Multiple flu strains circulate; immunity from one infection does not protect against the others. The vaccine covers three strains. If you had flu A this year, the vaccine still protects you against the other strains likely to circulate.
If You Are High-Risk
Pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and patients with chronic medical conditions should all get the flu shot, and the vaccine we carry is suitable for them.
Adults 65 and older: the CDC prefers a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant flu vaccine for this age group. We do not carry those, so if one is available to you at a pharmacy or your primary care office, it is the better choice. If none is available, the standard flu shot still protects you and is far better than going without.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to get the flu shot in October?
No, October is peak flu vaccination month. Protection takes about two weeks to develop, putting you ahead of peak transmission.
Do you take walk-ins for flu shots?
Yes, all clinic hours.
Will the shot make me feel sick?
Sore arm for a day, mild fatigue or low-grade fever in some patients. That is an immune response, not the flu. Usually resolves in 24 to 48 hours.