Flu Season Is Here. Your Best Shot Is Prevention.

As the weather begins to cool and flu season approaches, now is a great time to take a simple step toward protecting your health: get your annual flu shot.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can affect anyone. While some people experience mild illness, the flu can lead to serious complications—especially for adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people living with certain chronic health conditions.

The good news? An annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to help protect yourself against the flu.

Why Get a Flu Shot Every Year?

• Flu viruses are constantly changing, and protection from vaccination can decrease over time. That’s why a flu vaccine is recommended each year.
• Getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk of getting sick with the flu and may also reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected.
• Think of it as one small step that can make a big difference throughout flu season.

Protect Yourself—and the People Around You

Getting your flu shot isn't only about protecting yourself. It can also help protect the people you interact with every day, including family members, friends, coworkers, and those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

By staying up to date on your flu vaccination, you're helping create another layer of protection for your community.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for most people 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions.

Flu vaccination can be particularly important for people who are at increased risk of developing serious complications from influenza, including adults 65 and older and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

If you have questions about whether the flu vaccine is right for you, talk with your healthcare provider.

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

September and October are generally good times for most people to receive their flu vaccine. Ideally, vaccination should happen before flu activity increases in your community, but getting vaccinated later in the season can still provide important protection.

Remember that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies that help protect against influenza.

Where Can I Get My Flu Shot?

If you’re a Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group member, getting your flu shot is easy! Our Senior Wellness Department is offering flu vaccinations to Heritage members this flu season.

There are also other convenient ways to receive your annual flu vaccine. You can:

• Ask your Heritage healthcare provider about receiving your flu shot.

• Visit your local pharmacy and ask about flu vaccine availability.

• Contact our Senior Wellness Department to learn more about flu shots available to Heritage members.

Depending on your health plan, coverage and availability may vary, so be sure to check with your provider, pharmacy, or health plan if you have questions.

Don't Forget the Everyday Basics

Your flu shot is an important part of staying healthy during flu season, but everyday habits matter too. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with others when you're sick, and take care of your overall health with proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration.

Your Best Shot Is Prevention

At Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group, we believe staying proactive about your health can make a difference.

Don't wait until flu season is in full swing. Talk with your healthcare provider, visit your local pharmacy, or reach out to our Senior Wellness Department about getting your annual flu vaccination.

Protect yourself. Protect the people you love. And take your best shot at prevention this flu season.