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The AAP Says Kids Should Get Their Flu Shot by End of October. Here's What Parents Need to Know.

By Jamie Rivera, Staff Reporter

Published October 15, 2026

October is halfway through, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has a clear message for parents: the window to get your kids vaccinated against the flu before peak season is closing fast. The AAP's 2026–27 influenza guidance, published in September, recommends that all children get their flu shot by the end of October — and for some families, that deadline is more urgent than it sounds.

Who Needs the Flu Vaccine

The AAP's recommendation covers all children 6 months of age and older who don't have a medical contraindication to the vaccine. That's a wide net — nearly every child old enough for the shot should be getting one each year.

The flu vaccine changes annually to match circulating strains. Getting last year's shot does not provide protection against this year's viruses. Each new season requires a new vaccine.

The Two-Dose Rule for First-Timers

Here's the piece that trips up a lot of parents: children who are getting the flu vaccine for the very first time need two doses, administered at least four weeks apart. This includes children under 9 years old who have never received a flu vaccine before.

If your child is in that category and hasn't started yet, your window is narrow. Two doses four weeks apart, with the second dose needed before peak flu season in November and December, means the first dose should happen as soon as possible. Waiting until late October to start a two-dose schedule puts the second dose into November — still within the useful window, but cutting it close.

Children who have previously received at least two lifetime doses of flu vaccine only need one shot per season going forward.

Where to Get the Flu Vaccine in Colorado Springs

Flu vaccines for children are available through:

Your pediatrician's office: The most straightforward option, especially if your child has an annual well visit coming up. Call ahead to confirm flu vaccine availability, since supply can vary early in the season.
Pharmacies: Most major pharmacy chains (Walgreens, CVS, King Soopers, Safeway) offer flu shots for children over a certain age — typically 3 and older. Check the pharmacy's website or call ahead to confirm age restrictions and availability.
El Paso County Public Health: The county health department offers flu vaccine clinics at several COS locations. Visit elpasocountyhealth.org for clinic dates and times.
School-based clinics: Some D11, D20, and D49 schools host flu vaccine clinics in the fall through partnerships with county health. Check with your child's school nurse for dates.

Flu Shot and COVID-19 Vaccine

The AAP also published updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026–27 season. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can generally be administered at the same visit, which means families can get both done in one trip if needed. Ask your pediatrician at your next appointment.

Quick Reference: Flu Vaccine for Kids

Child's situation	How many doses this season	Timing
6 months old or older, has received 2+ lifetime flu vaccines	1 dose	By end of October (AAP target)
Under 9 years old, first flu vaccine ever	2 doses	First dose now, second dose 4 weeks later
Under 6 months old	Not eligible	Household members should be vaccinated to protect infant

What's Next

Call your child's pediatrician this week to schedule a flu shot appointment, especially if your child needs two doses this season. Flu vaccine availability tends to peak earlier in October, so don't count on easy same-week appointments by the end of the month. For county-run clinics in Colorado Springs, visit elpasocountyhealth.org. For more on the AAP's 2026–27 flu guidance, visit healthychildren.org.

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