But doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say now is a good time to start thinking about getting a flu shot. Influenza outbreaks can strike as early as September. The flu can be a serious and potentially deadly problem. Many physicians recommend getting a flu shot now because it takes about six weeks for the vaccination to take hold. In other words, a shot you get in the next couple of weeks will have you ready for the big flu attacks of December and January.
Flu shots are particularly important for the elderly.
People with heart disease, lung disease such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, diabetes and immune system disorders also are at risk. Pneumonia is the most common serious complication from the flu. You'll need another flu shot this year even if you had one last year. A vaccination last year doesn't guarantee protection this year. Researchers say it's also impossible to predict if a new flu season will be especially severe or if it will feature an outbreak of a less virulent strain.