Expert: Now Is The Best Time For Flu Shot

Flu season is right around the corner and the Putnam County Health Department says September is the best time to get a flu shot.

Registered Nurse Supervisor Heidi Corbeil said now is the best time to get a flu shot as those who get it now can be ahead of the spike that happens during flu season. Corbeil said receiving the flu shot before flu season is critical.

“Usually the flu is not very dangerous for most,” Corbeil said. “But it is dangerous for people you know maybe more dangerous with the elderly or with chronic illnesses, so it important for them to get it as well to keep them out of the hospital.”

Corbeil said the flu is so prominent this time of year as cooler weather approaches and more people are willing to go outside. Corbeil said symptoms from receiving the flu shot are mild and minimal compared to the flu itself.

“The risk factors are very low for our Flu vaccine and so the risk of getting the flu is much higher than the risk of taking the vaccine. I highly encourage everyone to get the vaccine.”

Many people claim they feel sick shortly after receiving the flu shot but Corbeil said those side effects are not common.

“That’s just the immune response kind of getting those antibodies built up to fight flu if they are exposed to it,” Corbeil said. “so there are some mild symptoms like body aches, fatigue, headache, and fever.”

Corbeil said the health department and other places like CVS and Walgreens that carry flu shots offer the same shot. Corbeil said the health department will also carry a high-dose flu shot for people over 65 years or older.

The health department will be hosting a “Fight Flu Day” on October 15th. The event will be a drive-thru that will offer free flu shots.