We’re right in the thick of flu season, with the worst possibly still to come. With that in mind, Dallas County Public Health reminds you it’s never too late to get a flu shot.

Public Health Program Manager Lisa Anderson says the influenza vaccine changes every year based on research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With the evolution of the virus and vaccine, it’s important to get a booster every year. Anderson adds, even this late into flu season, some protection is better than none. “As many people know, Iowa is seeing a lot of flu. We’ve had 15 deaths in Iowa from the flu, and it’s believed that we will see the flu for many more months. So even if it doesn’t give you a chance to be fully protected by getting the flu shot now, it will still reduce the risk and the severity of the disease.”

Perhaps more importantly, Anderson says you should get a flu shot to protect those around you, particularly the young and elderly, who are more susceptible to dying from influenza. The CDC has said this year’s batch of flu shots hasn’t been as effective as they would have liked, but Anderson emphasizes that even 60-70% effectiveness is worth it to decrease your chance of hospitalization or death.

To learn more about flu shots and other vaccines, find the Health and Wealth program with Anderson at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.