No, it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine even though flu season is upon us. While the best time to get the flu shot, for maximum coverage, is September/October, getting the vaccine anytime during flu season, which runs from October-May, is still a smart idea and provides valuable coverage. Once you get the vaccine, it takes up to two weeks to build immunity. The vaccine is safe and reliable and recommended for everyone age six months and older but it’s especially important to get for certain high risk groups:

• Adults over age 65
• People in nursing homes or long-term care
• Young children, especially those 12 months or
  younger
• People who plan to be pregnant, are pregnant or recently gave birth during flu season
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• People with conditions that affect the nervous system or how the brain works
• People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes
• People who have had a stroke
• People who are younger than 20 years of age and are receiving long-term aspirin therapy