Protect yourself and others from the flu

Before you know it, the flu will be visiting again. The good news is the flu shot can help protect you, your family, and community — especially those at high risk for illness and those with chronic conditions. It’s best to get the shot before flu cases rise, since it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to build up your immunity and make you more protected.¹

Flu vaccines make a difference by:²

• Preventing complications in people with chronic conditions, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, or heart disease.
• Protecting the people around you, including people who are at a higher risk for illness, such as babies, young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

Other ways to keep the flu away³

Once you get your flu vaccine, remember these additional tips for staying healthy:

• Clean shared, high-touch surfaces. such as telephones, keyboards, steering wheels, and doorknobs often.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. If you are sick, be sure to limit your contact with others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Use a tissue to cover your sneeze or cough when possible.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid spreading germs.

1. Mayo Clinic: Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza (accessed May 2023): mayoclinic.org.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines (June 2022): cdc.gov.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventive Steps (June 2022): cdc.gov.