Mayo Clinic Minute: Why you and your family need a flu shot

If you haven't had the flu in a few years, there's a reason. As Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases physician with the Mayo Clinic Children's Center, shares, all the more reason to ensure you and your family are vaccinated this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot. And make it a goal to be vaccinated by the end of October.

Public health measures during the pandemic — wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing — not only helps reduce COVID-19 transmission, but also lowered the spread of the flu.

Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse says getting vaccinated is an important way to build immunity and prevent infection.

Especially young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk of severe illness due to the flu.
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