Have you gotten your flu shot? If not, you will want to do so soon, according to Alabama health experts.

The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends everyone 6 months of age or older – with a few rare exceptions – get the flu vaccine before the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccinations for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

The latest data from ADPH shows flu-like illnesses are increasing in most parts of the state. Six of the state’s public health districts are seeing flu-like illnesses at or above baseline levels, with 15 flu or flu-like outbreaks reported during the past week. The peak of flu activity could still be weeks or even months away.

READ MORE: There’s a change in flu shot guidance for some adults this year: What you need to know

Who needs a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccine is especially important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. Flu shots can be given during the same visit as COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Some vaccine recommendations are as follows:

• New this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending three flu vaccines that are preferred for people ages 65 and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvanted flu vaccine. However, the standard-dose flu vaccine is still acceptable if the new shots are unavailable for older adults.
• Annual influenza vaccination is especially important for people including healthcare workers and those who live with or care for persons at higher risk to protect these vulnerable populations. Children younger than 6 months can develop serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so people who care for infants need to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and the child.
• Pregnant women are more susceptible to influenza severe enough to cause hospitalization and can be vaccinated during any trimester of pregnancy. Prenatal vaccination can help protect an infant after birth because antibodies are passed to a developing baby during pregnancy.