The flu shot can be given at any time during the flu season. If you are at high risk, get vaccinated early in the season. It is best not to delay; but if you do, it's still better to get it late than not at all.

In October or November, however, December and January are not too late to ensure adequate protection against the flu.

Efforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.