Cold temperatures are right around the corner, but the influenza shot season is already here.

Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell said it is recommended people get the flu shot before the end of October for optimal protection.

“However, it’s never too late so getting the flu shot later is still beneficial, especially if flu activity is ongoing in your area,” she said. “Talk to your healthcare provider about when the right time for you to get the vaccine is depending on your age group, health history or if you are pregnant.”

Medical experts from agencies such as the World Health Organization and United States Food and Drug Administration are recommending vaccines for three predicted flu strains for the 2025-26 season – H1N1, H3N1 and B. The flu season in the United States generally starts this month, peaks from December to February and can last until May.

“We often see an increase in cases during colder months when people spend more time indoors and close together, which makes it easier for the virus to spread,” Grewell said.

The recommendation is for people who face a higher risk of complications from the flu to receive the vaccine. Those include:

• Adults age 65 and older. People in that age range should get a higher dose for better protection;

• Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2;

• Pregnant women;

• People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immune systems;

• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities;

Grewell added that it is possible for healthy people to become seriously ill or pass the virus to someone more vulnerable.

“Which is why community-wide vaccination is so important,” she said.

There are some possible side effects to the flu shot. According to Grewell, most people experience only mild side effects, if any. The most common include soreness or redness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, fatigue or mild aches.

“These usually go away within a day or two,” she said. “Severe allergic reactions are very rare, but individuals with a known allergy to a component of the vaccine should consult with their healthcare provider first.”

The Centers for Disease Control website states babies younger than 6 months of age, people who have allergies to an ingredient in the vaccine or those who have had allergic reactions to a previous influenza vaccine should not get the shot. Grewell said if people have questions or concerns about receiving the vaccine, they should discuss it with their healthcare provider.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from the flu,” she said. “It helps reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick, lowers the risk of hospitalization and helps keep vulnerable populations like infants, seniors and those with chronic conditions safe.”

Grewell added there are numerous places in Marshall County where a person can get the flu shot, such as clinics, pharmacies and the Marshall County Public Health office. Nied’s Pharmacy at 211 W. Main St. is hosting a flu shot clinic on Thursday in partnership with the Marshalltown Area United Way.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.