Local doctor emphasizes importance of getting your flu shot

WIVT/WBGH

Flu vaccine season is upon us, as a local doctor says October is the best time to receive the shot.

With the new month starting on Wednesday, UHS Chief Medical Officer Doctor Jeffrey Gray says it’s time for people to start thinking of getting their flu shots. He says he received his this morning and that the vaccine is very important, as it’s what keeps those infected out of the hospital.

Gray says the Southern Hemisphere experiences flu season before we do in the U.S., and the shot given here is based on their results. Because of that, he says this year should be a great year to receive the vaccine.

“Anytime you get the flu vaccine, you’re going to get some response, and some beneficial to yourself. They’ve noticed that in the Southern Hemisphere this year they did a very good job of matching the flu vaccine to the flu that’s out in the Southern Hemisphere. So it’s an even bigger incentive to get the flu vaccine this season because you’re more apt to be less likely to get infected,” said Gray.

Gray says while October is the sweet spot of when to get the shot, it’s okay to receive it in November or December as well. He says the first wave of flu, known as Flu A is typically between December and February. The second wave, Flu B is between March and April.

Gray says it is a common misconception that receiving the shot will give you the flu, it may give you symptoms, but he says that means the shot is working.