Flu Shots for Flu Season

Why Flu Shots Matter: Protecting Yourself and Your Community

Every fall, as the temperatures drop and buildings tighten up, flu season returns. Although many of us shrug off “just another cold,” influenza is far more serious than that—especially among vulnerable populations. Here’s why getting a flu shot is one of the smartest health decisions you can make during flu season.

What Is Influenza, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Influenza (the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs. It spreads easily—through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or via surfaces. 

While many people recover without needing medical treatment, the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions (like asthma or heart disease), hospitalization, or even death—especially in the very young, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. (CDC)

The Benefits of Getting a Flu Shot

1. It Reduces Your Risk of Getting the Flu

Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor's visits each year.  When the vaccine is well matched to circulating strains, studies show it can reduce your risk of flu by 40%–60%. (CDC)

2. If You Do Get the Flu, It’s Likely to Be Milder

Even when the vaccine does not fully prevent infection, it often reduces severity—fewer hospitalizations, less time in intensive care, and lower risk of death. 

3. Protecting Others (Herd Benefit)

By reducing how much you carry and spread the virus, vaccination helps protect those around you—especially people who can’t be vaccinated or who may respond less strongly (like older adults). (World Health Organization)

One study found that in counties where more healthy adults were vaccinated, seniors experienced lower rates of flu illness.

4. Preventing Strain on Healthcare Systems

During peak flu season, hospitals and clinics can become overwhelmed. Widespread vaccination helps reduce severe cases and hospitalizations, easing the burden on health resources.5. Special Importance for High-Risk Groups

• Older adults (65+): This age group bears a disproportionate share of severe flu outcomes. Vaccination is strongly recommended, often with higher-dose or adjuvanted formulations. (CDC)

• Children: Vaccination reduces their risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes. 

• People with chronic conditions: Flu can exacerbate heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions, etc. A vaccine can reduce that risk. 

Common Myths & Concerns—Addressed

Myth: “The flu shot can give me the flu.”
Reality: The vaccines used are either inactivated (killed virus) or recombinant—neither can cause flu. Some people may experience mild soreness or low-grade fever as their immune system responds. (Mayo Clinic)

Myth: “I’m healthy—I don’t need it.”
Reality: Even healthy people can get a severe case, and they can spread the virus to vulnerable family or community members. (American Medical Association)

Vaccine Effectiveness Varies:
Effectiveness depends on how well vaccine strains match circulating viruses. In some years, the protection is lower—but even then, the vaccine often mitigates severity. (CDC)

Timing & Best Practices

• When to get vaccinated: Ideally by the end of October, before flu activity really ramps up. 

• Still time later in the season: Flu activity often continues into spring. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s still worth doing so. 

• Annual vaccination is essential: Flu viruses change continually, so last year’s vaccine may not protect you now.

Conclusion

Flu shots are a proven, effective tool to reduce individual risk of illness, lessen severity if you do fall sick, and protect those around you. While no vaccine is perfect, the benefits—reduced hospitalizations, fewer severe cases, and community protection—make it worth getting each year.

If you’re eligible (usually everyone age 6 months and older, barring contraindications), talk to your healthcare provider or visit a trusted clinic or pharmacy. It’s a small step that yields big returns—for you and your community.

If you are interested receiving a Flu Vaccine, please call one of our locations or visit us online to schedule an appointment.