When should you be vaccinated against the flu?

STATEN ISLAND NY – As the influenza season approaches, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that Americans get vaccinated against the disease, explaining that it's the best way to prevent the disease. sickness.

"The flu is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death," says the CDC on its website.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protective antibodies against the flu to develop in the body.

The CDC recommends that people get a flu shot before the end of October. Getting vaccinated later can always be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the influenza season in January or later.

Children should be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age, according to the CDC.

Influenza vaccines are available in many physician offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and academic health centers, as well as many employers and even some schools. Click here to see where you can get flu shots in your area.

An influenza vaccine is required each season, as the body's immune response decreases over time, and as influenza viruses change constantly, influenza vaccine formulation is reviewed annually and updated as needed.

"Immunization has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing the risk of influenza illness, hospitalizations and even the risk of death from influenza in children," says the CDC.