If you haven’t received a flu shot yet this year, now is the time to get one. With seasonal outbreaks of influenza happening as early as October, ideally you should have your flu shot done by September or October. People that are at greater risk of getting the flu include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, and persons who live in a nursing home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the best way to protect yourself from the potentially deadly virus is to get vaccinated each year.

If you are starting to think about receiving a flu shot, you have several local options. Becky McKay, a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in nursing, says that the most predominant time to “catch the flu” is between October and May. McKay will be administering the flu vaccine for WesleyLife. Other places to receive a shot are Pella Regional Health Center’s family of clinics in Pella, Bussey, Knoxville, Monroe, Ottumwa and Sully, Hy Vee in Knoxville or Pella, Public Health or Medicap Pharmacy in Knoxville, and Knoxville Hospital and Clinics.