CDC recommends early flu shots - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Cooler weather is a sign flu season is approaching and a reminder to start thinking about the vaccination.

Sandy Goff works in the health care businesses. She interacts with people everyday, and has three grandkids she doesn't want to infect.

"I am a caregiver, because I am a grandmother, a mother, and I want to make sure that not only covered but that I don't infect anyone else," said Goff, who gets the flu shot every year.

Patient First Doctor Kenneth Lucas says staff will give flu shots starting Wednesday. Even if people get them early, he says the vaccine will last through the whole season, which starts in December around Christmas and ends in March towards the beginning of spring.

"The CDC has recommended that we start this early and people take them as soon as they're available," Dr. Lucas noted.

Dr. Lucas says everyone from six-months-old and older should get vaccinated, including women who are pregnant. Last year's season was about as mild as our winter. Dr. Lucas saw a handful of patients daily, down from roughly 25 a day, two years ago.

"It was the mildest flu season I remember, and I've been here 25 years," Dr. Lucas added. "Maybe it's because we started giving shots earlier and more people took them."

Dr. Lucas says it's really tough to tell why the number was so much lower last year. He recommends people to get a shot every year unless they have a medical reason that prevents it. Goff says she'll be getting her shot very soon.

"I think it all about wellness and preventative care." Sandy Goff added. "It's all about taking care of yourself and doing prevention so you don't end up in the hospital.

In some cases, flu season can start as early as October. That's why the CDC recommends people to get their shots early. It usually takes about two weeks for the vaccination to kick in.

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