Going into the heart of the holiday season, Greene County Public Health is advocating for people to get their flu shots.

Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin says the peak of the flu season is approaching, in January and February, and as the holiday season draws closer, now is a great time to get the flu vaccine. She explains how the flu shot is determined every year.

“So each year experts study global influenza patterns to predict which strains are most likely to circulate. The vaccine is updated annually based on those predictions. And while effectiveness can vary from season to season, the flu vaccine consistently provides strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and complications. Even in years when it’s not a perfect match it still reduces the severity and duration of symptoms for a lot of people.”

Cooklin reminds everyone that anyone who is six months and older is eligible to receive the flu shot and it takes up to two weeks for an individual to get the full effect of the vaccination. She adds that they are available at any pharmacy, clinic, primary care providers and at Greene County Public Health. Contact them to schedule an appointment for a flu shot at 515-386-3228.