Holiday gatherings are right around the corner, and if you missed the early fall opportunity to get your flu vaccine, it’s not too late.
Just 47 percent of Americans got their flu vaccine during the 2022-23 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Christopher Harkin, an urgent care physician at SSM Health, said it’s important for more people to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays because the flu bug spreads easily with travel and indoor celebrations.
“Flu season starts in November and peaks in January or February,” Dr. Harkin said. “It takes about two weeks for the body to build up immunity after receiving the shot so getting your flu vaccine before the spread starts can help prevent a serious illness.”
The flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals over six months old. Dr. Harkin says the vaccine is especially critical for patients 65 or older, those with chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant.
“Vaccinations offer strong protection against a bad case of the flu, which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions,” Dr. Harkin said. “It may not prevent every infection, but those infections are going to be less severe and keep you out of the hospital.”
The flu vaccine is available through SSM Health primary care or Urgent Care or Express Clinics.
