Updated November 30, 2024

The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Everyone six months of age or older needs a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions.

In 2023-24, over 470,000 were hospitalized with the flu (CDC estimates).

Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season. October is the ideal time to get vaccinated in SW Oklahoma.

65+ Urged to get a flu vaccine appropriate to this age group

People 65 years and older should get a flu shot, not a nasal spray vaccine. There are two options to discuss with your Doctor or Pharmacist: a high dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine.

More information from the CDC

Getting a flu shot protects yourself, your family and vulnerable people in our community.

Flu shots can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed work or school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu — including older people, very young children, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Fact Check: Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?

No. The flu vaccine is made with killed virus or a recombinant method using non-living ingredients.

So the flu shot can’t give you the flu. But a few people may develop flu-like symptoms after getting a flu shot for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Reaction to the vaccine. Some people experience muscle aches and a slight fever for a day or two after receiving a flu shot. This may be a side effect of your body’s production of protective antibodies.
  • The two-week window. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you’re exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
  • Mismatched flu viruses. In some years, the influenza viruses used for the vaccine don’t match the viruses circulating during the flu season. If this occurs, your flu shot will be less effective, but may still offer some protection.
  • Other illnesses. Many other diseases, such as the common cold, also produce flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don’t.