It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to be fully effective. Typically, flu activity in Oklahoma does not peak until January or February. In spite of the delays, health officials still encourage Oklahomans to get the flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccine is the best tool to prevent severe illness and death related to influenza among the elderly and chronically ill. Health officials also recommend that persons age 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions get a pneumococcal vaccination to reduce pneumonia resulting from influenza or other respiratory illnesses.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of hospitalizations in Oklahoma.
To learn when flu shots will be available in your area, contact your health care provider, local county health department, pharmacist, or visiting nurse association.