Now is the best time to get the flu vaccine, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because flu activity typically reaches its highest level between December and February, the ideal time to get vaccinated is late October. It takes about two weeks for immune system to build up to peak immunity from the vaccine.
The CDC recommends the vaccine for all Americans age 6 months and up. Individuals in certain higher risk groups face an increased risk for severe illness or death from the flu, including children, people age 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and people living with certain chronic diseases.
Last year the flu shot allowed Americans to avoid 2.9 million flu-associated medical visits, 6 million flu-related illnesses, 65,000 flu-associated hospitalizations, and 3,700 flu-associated deaths.
Full Story: HealthDay
