Are you debating whether to get a flu shot this year?

There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. It is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones against flu and its potentially serious complications.

The flu vaccine works by spurring your immune system into action. In a sense, the vaccine “teaches” your body how to identify the flu virus and how to defend against it. Then when you come into contact with the actual virus, your immune system quickly recognizes it and fights it off.

Benefits of getting a flu shot:

• It can keep you from getting sick with flu.
• It can reduce the severity of the flu if you do get sick.
• It can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization.
• It’s an important preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions, including heart or lung disease.
• If you’re pregnant, it helps reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection.
• It can be lifesaving in children, significantly reducing a child’s risk of dying from flu.
• Getting vaccinated yourself may also help protect people around you.

The flu vaccine is available between October and January. The flu season often doesn’t peak until February or later. The sooner you get it the better, because the further you get into the flu season, the higher your risk of getting flu. It can take two weeks for the vaccine to take effect.