Why you need to get a flu shot this season

The flu vaccine primes your body's immune system, so it's prepared to fight influenza. Getting vaccinated doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu this season, but if that happens, you likely would have only a mild illness, says The flu vaccine primes your body's immune system, so it's prepared to fight influenza. Getting vaccinated doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu this season, but if that happens, you likely would have only a mild illness, says Jana Shaw, MD Jana Shaw, MD, an Upstate pediatrician with expertise in infectious diseases. Shaw explains that the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, especially those who are most vulnerable to complications of influenza -- senior citizens and pregnant women. She tells why flu vaccination is needed every year, and how pharmacists are improving access., an Upstate pediatrician with expertise in infectious diseases. Shaw explains that the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, especially those who are most vulnerable to complications of influenza -- senior citizens and pregnant women. She tells why flu vaccination is needed every year, and how pharmacists are improving access.