With the fall season upon us, flu shots are now available, and it is recommended that people — especially those among vulnerable populations — receive their vaccination by October. Last flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there were as many as 650,000 flu hospitalizations and 58,000 deaths in the United States. Michigan State University experts provide comments on the importance of flu shots and, notably, why the timeliness of getting your vaccine matters.

Sandy Campbell is the director of the MSU Health Care Pharmacy. She specializes in flu vaccinations.

Contact: silecchi@msu.edu, (517) 214-5740

“Safeguarding our community’s health is our top priority at MSU Health Care Pharmacy, and flu season is no exception. The quadrivalent vaccine covers the four most common flu strains, offering comprehensive protection. Flu shots usually become available in September, and it’s crucial to act swiftly, especially for those most vulnerable — the very young and the elderly, those 6 months of age to 65 and older who are eligible for the high-dose vaccine.

“Timing is key; we encourage everyone to heed CDC guidelines and get vaccinated by October to bolster their immunity. Remember, you can also conveniently combine your flu shot with other essential vaccines, like shingles and COVID-19, to safeguard your health comprehensively. Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones — one shot at a time.”

Robert Root is an associate chief medical officer and board-certified pediatrician with MSU Health Care. He specializes in pediatrics and pediatric immunizations.

Contact: rootrobe@msu.edu, (517) 353-3100

“Ensuring the health and well-being of our children is paramount, and getting a flu shot is a key part of that. It is crucial for parents of those aged 6 months and older to prioritize getting their children vaccinated. Timing plays a vital role, as the sooner your child receives the flu shot, the more time their body has to develop immunity. I strongly recommend that everyone gets vaccinated by October to protect our little ones from the potential impact of the flu.”

Michael Weiner is the chief medical officer of MSU Health Care and a board-certified internal medicine provider. He specializes in internal medicine and flu vaccinations for adults.

Contact: weinerm9@msu.edu, (202) 591-5894

“Flu season is right around the corner, and the best defense we have against this potentially serious illness is the flu shot. It’s important to act promptly as those aged 65 and older are more susceptible to the flu. It’s worth noting that adults may face the challenge of battling not only the flu, but also COVID-19 and RSV, which can be taxing on the immune system. To bolster your defenses on multiple fronts, I strongly recommend getting your flu shot alongside other vaccines like shingles and COVID-19.”