5 Reasons to get your flu shot this year

Getting a flu shot isn’t just about protecting your own health. The flu sends thousands of people to the hospital each year. It can also be deadly. Even if the flu causes only a few difficult days for you, it could be much more serious for someone else.

Getting vaccinated helps slow the spread of the flu virus, protecting those around you, including those who are more vulnerable.

Here are five reasons to get a flu shot this year.

A flu shot can lower your risk of getting sick

The flu vaccine isn’t perfect. It doesn’t always match the strains that are actually spreading. But when the vaccine is a good match, it can lower your risk of getting sick with the flu by about 40 to 60%. Symptoms may include fever, cough and body aches.

Even when the vaccine is not a close match, it may still help protect you from severe illness. People who get vaccinated and still get the flu have milder symptoms than people who were not vaccinated.

It can lower your risk of serious illness

The flu may make you feel sick for about a week. For others, it can lead to serious problems, such as pneumonia, worsening heart conditions, or other complications that aren’t directly related to the flu. The flu can trigger these complications and some may require a hospital stay.

Research has shown that flu vaccination can lower the risk of serious outcomes, including ICU stays and death, in people who get sick despite being vaccinated. Even some protection can make a difference when the health risks are serious.

It helps protect the people around you

Some people may need to delay or avoid certain flu vaccines, while others are too young to get vaccinated. Talk with your doctor if you have questions, especially if you or someone you care for:

• Is a baby younger than six months
• Has had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients
• Has a weakened immune system

When you get vaccinated, you lower your chances of catching and spreading the flu. This can also help protect people who may not be able to get vaccinated.

If you spend time with older adults, young children or people receiving cancer treatment or living with other serious health conditions, getting vaccinated can help protect all of you.

It’s especially important if you’re at higher risk

The flu doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Adults age 65 and older, pregnant people, young children and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease have a higher risk of serious flu complications.

If you’re in one of these groups, getting a flu shot each year is an important way to protect your health.

If you’re 65 or over, your doctor may suggest a higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. These vaccines are designed to create a stronger immune response.

Flu shots are widely available

You may be able to get a flu shot without visiting your doctor’s office. Many pharmacies, urgent care centers, health departments and workplaces offer flu vaccines. Some locations offer walk-in flu shots, so you may not need an appointment.

Getting the vaccine usually takes only a few minutes. Call your doctor’s office to schedule an appointment or visit Vaccines.gov to find flu shot locations near you.

Who needs a flu shot?

Most people age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. This includes:

• Healthy adults
• Children age 6 months and older
• Pregnant people
• Adults age 65 and older
• People with ongoing health conditions

September or October is usually the best time to get vaccinated, before flu activity increases. If you miss that window, getting vaccinated later in the flu season can still help protect you. Flu viruses can continue spreading into spring.

Takeaway

The flu vaccine isn’t perfect. Flu viruses change every year, which is why the vaccine is updated each season. Some years, the vaccine is a better match for the flu viruses that are spreading.

Even so, vaccination remains the best tool to lower your chances of getting the flu, being hospitalized or spreading the virus to others.

There are only a few reasons someone should skip the flu shot. And your doctor will usually tell you if you fall into one of these categories.

For most people, getting a flu shot each year is a simple action that protects both your health and the health of those around you.

Crystal Run Healthcare offers flu shots by appointment for children and adults. To schedule an appointment, call your doctor’s office. 

Call 1-845-703-6999 to schedule

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal flu vaccine basics. 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of flu. 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at increased risk for flu complications. 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. 2025.