The CDC on Sept. 7 recommended all individuals six months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.
People develop antibodies against the flu about two weeks after vaccination, so they should receive a flu shot before the virus starts spreading through their community, according to the agency.
The push to receive the seasonal flu vaccine by the end of October could place significant demand on healthcare providers and urgent care centers to provide the inoculation.
The CDC instructs people with the flu to stay home, not travel and avoid contact with other people, except to receive medical care.