It’s October, which means the start of flu season, and healthcare officials are urging everyone to get a flu shot.

Dallas County Health Department Educator Natalie Peters says that they recommend people six months and older to get the flu shot by October 31st. Peters explains that getting the shot now will provide protection through the peak season between December through February. 

“So it’s really a good idea to think about where you will get your flu to be protected during that time.”

Peters says that it’s important for someone to receive an influenza vaccine every year during this time to protect them from the new variants. 

“The flu changes every year. We got a new variant and so it’s important to get a new shot every year to try to best protect yourself. Your last year’s shot won’t do much benefit for you. So every year, if you can get in there, it’ll prevent you from getting really sick from the flu, which no one wants to deal with that.”

The Dallas County Health Department urges individuals to talk to their local health care provider about a flu shot or visit Vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.