Kansas City,
02
October
2019
|
13:50 PM
America/Chicago

KMBC 9: Doctors say now is the time to get a flu shot

Doctors say now is the time to get a flu shot

By Kelly Eckerman

Doctors say now is the time to get a flu shot.

It takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, so now is a good time to get a flu shot. Especially for children 8 and under who are getting the flu shot for the first time - they need two doses, 4 weeks apart.

Dr. Doug Swanson says flu season is December to February, and could come earlier or later. He advises to get a flu shot early so you're not caught off guard. "We just don't know if it's going to be a really bad year, or if it's going to be a light year. Some protection is better than no protection," he said. 

The Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC) has recommended yearly flu vaccine for healthcare workers since the 1980’s. Children's Mercy shows its commitment to patient safety by vaccinating its employees each year against the flu. 

 

View the video via KMBC 9

Learn more about Infectious Diseases at Children's Mercy