Flu Season is Here - Protect Your Family with the Flu Shot

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms and may lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Vaccination is a safe, effective defense against the season's predicted strain of the virus and can prevent or lessen the severity of the illness if you end up getting sick.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there were 51 million flu-related illnesses, 23 million medical visits, 710,000 hospitalizations and 45,000 deaths nationwide during last year's flu season. The CDC also estimates that vaccination prevented 10 million cases of flu illness across the country.

With this year's flu season creeping in earlier than usual, now is a perfect time to get yourself and your family vaccinated against the flu. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Weekly Vaccination Report, 615,770 Connecticut residents have already protected themselves against the flu as of the week of October 26, 2026 - about 17% of Connecticut's population.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is an important step in preventing influenza and reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Even if you do contract the flu after vaccination, the vaccine can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. Getting vaccinated also helps protect those around you, including family members and others who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for most people ages six months and older, with limited exceptions. Because flu viruses change over time, getting vaccinated each year is an important part of staying healthy throughout each flu season.

Not sure where to get your flu shot? InterCommunity's conveniently located clinics make it easy. Call us at 860-569-5900 to make an appointment or walk-in to one of our clinics in Hartford, East Hartford, or South Windsor to get your recommended vaccinations today. And if your child is enrolled in any of our 10 East Hartford or 1 Manchester School-Based Health Centers (SBHC), they can get their vaccine right at school! Curious about enrolling your student at one of our SBHCs? Click here to learn more.

By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting those around you. This fall, let’s look out for each other; get your flu shot and protect yourself, your family, and your community.