Flu season is still in session, and reports show flu activity is much higher in Florida this year than the past two seasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is elevated around the country and expected to continue for weeks.

Although the CDC recommends getting your yearly flu shot before November, getting vaccinated later is better than never and is highly recommended in the current climate as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread globally.

Anyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated every year. Adults 65 and older, people with chronic health conditions and women who are pregnant should make getting vaccinated a top priority, since they are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications from the flu.

The vaccine protects not only you, but also your family and others around you. It also helps to suppress symptoms if you do contract the virus. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot this year, it’s not too late.

You can request a flu shot from your doctor before any visit. Also, most local pharmacies are still administering flu shots, and some offer the vaccine for free or even for a store credit.

Flu shots are available for free to students at Student Health Services, and employees can also receive the shot there for a cost.