Who should get the flu shot? Everyone.

Flu season officially starts in October so now is the time to get your flu vaccine

Flu season is knocking at the door, and now is the time to protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death.

During the 2023-2024 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 35 million people were infected with influenza, with at least 400,000 hospitalizations and more than 25,000 deaths.

What’s the best way to not be in next year’s statistics? Get the flu vaccine.

“It’s a good vaccine. It’s been around a long time and it’s safe,” says Laura Floyd, registered nurse and manager of St. Joseph’s/Candler Occupational Health Services. “Some years strains of flu show up that are not covered by the vaccine, but there is evidence that if you’ve had your vaccine, your illness could be shorter and milder.”

Anyone six months old and older should get the flu vaccine once a year.

Pregnant? It’s highly recommended that pregnant women get the vaccine.

Going through chemotherapy treatments?  Check with your doctor, but chemotherapy can weaken your immune system so you want all the protection from other illnesses as possible.

My child? Yes, each year millions of children get sick with the flu, and we all know how easily germs spread in classrooms and on the playground so you want to do what you can to protect your child from getting sick.

Related Article: Parents: Has your child got a flu shot yet?

“It’s the responsible thing to do because there’s a vaccine available so the illness is preventable in a lot of ways,” Floyd says. “It keeps us safe, our families safe and our patients safe.”

Here at St. Joseph’s/Candler, we recommend getting the flu shot once it becomes available, which is typically September or early October. Flu season starts in October and normally runs until April.

The flu can be a miserable illness. Symptoms may include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Possible vomiting and diarrhea (especially for children)

The flu vaccine is administered via needle most commonly in the upper, muscular portion of your arm. There are different brands of the flu vaccine but they typically cover three or four types of the flu virus. There are also high dose flu vaccines available for those over 65 years of age. 

Related Article: Who should get the high dose flu vaccine?

So as cooler weather approaches, now is the time to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so yet. You can schedule an appointment to get a flu shot with a St. Joseph’s/Candler primary care provider or at your neighborhood pharmacy.

Most insurance companies cover the flu vaccine with no or very low co-pays. Talk to your physician or local pharmacy about payment options.

In need of a primary care physician? Find one here.