Reduce Your Risks! Ask your doctor about what vaccinations you are due for this fall.

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The flu (influenza) affects millions of people every year. The flu is contagious, which means it spreads from person to person. You can get the flu at any time of year, but it’s most common in the fall and winter. It takes at least two weeks for your flu vaccine to start working, so try to get vaccinated by the end of October.

The flu is mild for some people, but older adults have a higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia. The good news is the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and of getting seriously ill if you do get sick with it.

Older adults can also get a vaccine to protect them from another respiratory illness called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). An updated COVID-19 vaccine is also available. Talk to a doctor about the vaccines you may need this fall and visit Vaccines.gov to find out where you can get vaccinated.

Learn more about getting your flu vaccine.

This is a re-post of Healthy Aging Highlights - Information on healthy aging and more from the National Institute on Aging.