Health officials: Get your flu shot now

October 7, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Health department officials say it's never too late to get a flu shot - but the earlier, the better.

"We want to get people vaccinated now because the flu usually hits in January or later, but we really never know for sure," Dr. Julie Morita, Chicago Department of Public Health, said.

The Chicago Department of Public Health held a free flu shot event in Little Village as part of an awareness campaign. They teamed up with sports figures from the Chicago Fire and Chicago Sky to get the word out about immunizations. Billboards with the athletes will be seen around the city through December.

"I gotta stay healthy for the long season and I always get my shot once a year," Gonzalo Segares, Chicago Fire, said.

To meet the demand for this year's flu season, manufacturers have made more than 130 million doses. The city of Chicago has already received 300,000 doses. People aged six months and older are encouraged to get a flu shot every year; children and the elderly the most at-risk. Alderman Ricardo Munoz was among those who got vaccinated Monday at the event in his ward

"The flu can lead to hospitalization we don't want that. In my case, I want to stay healthy; I want to make sure I don't miss the holidays," Ald. Munoz said.

"I can't afford to miss work. Who can afford to miss two weeks, one week of work along with medical costs?" Melissa Ponce said.

Find out where to get a flu shot in Chicago at chicagoflushots.org .

Get more Healthbeat »

healthbeat

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•