Protect Your Health This Season: Get Your Flu Vaccine!
A yearly flu vaccine is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference for you and your family.
The flu can cause more than a few uncomfortable days. It can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and even death—including in otherwise healthy people. Getting vaccinated each year helps reduce your risk of flu and its potentially serious consequences.
Why get vaccinated?
Reduce your chance of getting sick. Vaccination helps prevent flu illness and flu-related visits to the doctor.
Lower your risk of severe illness. Even if you get the flu after vaccination, the vaccine can make your illness less severe and reduce your risk of hospitalization.
Spend fewer days away from daily life. Preventing flu can mean fewer missed days of work, school, and family activities.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the vaccine that is appropriate for you.
Why do you need one every year?
Flu viruses change, and vaccine protection decreases over time. A yearly vaccine helps provide protection against the viruses expected to circulate that season. Protection takes about two weeks to develop after vaccination.
When should you get vaccinated?
For most people, September or October is a good time, ideally by the end of October. If you missed that window, vaccination can still be beneficial while flu viruses are circulating.
Take a step toward a healthier season. Contact Hodges Family Practice to ask about flu vaccine availability and scheduling.
