The best time to get a flu vaccine this year is in October or November. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu vaccination as soon as vaccines become available in 2003 for anyone who is six months old or older and is at increased risk for complications from the flu.

The group at increased risk includes people 65 years old and older, those with chronic health problems, and health care workers and others who are in close contact with persons who are at high risk. The CDC also recommends routine vaccination for people aged 50 to 64 years. The CDC anticipates sufficient supplies of flu vaccine during the coming influenza season. If you are unable to get a vaccine now, you can still get a flu vaccine any time during the flu season.

The CDC also encourages persons 65 years and older and in certain risk groups to be immunized against pneumonia. Usually you can get vaccinated against both the flu and pneumonia during the same visit.