Because of increased demand, companies that manufacture the flu vaccine have started producing more of it. This year, the vaccine has been delivered a bit earlier than usual. According to the chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Rochester, that's because there weren't many changes in the formula this year.
Dr. John Treanor says the CDC recommends that you get the flu shot when it's available and when it's convenient for you. “You don't want to wait too long, because we're never completely sure when the flu season is going to start and you want to be protected when the flu first appears."
Treanor says there are some concerns that in certain populations, such as the elderly, that the effectiveness of the vaccine may diminish if given too early.
"And that is a theoretical concern, but the evidence is not strong enough for the CDC to have changed their recommendations that you should get vaccinated if the vaccine is available and you're there, ready to get vaccinated, don't pass up the opportunity."
Many pharmacies around Rochester, including Wegmans, CVS and Walgreens started making flu shots available to customers in early August.
