VALDOSTA — Georgia experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent history last year, according to health officials. 

Don’t fall victim to the flu this year, vaccinate before it’s too late, they say.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 2-8, and the Georgia Department of Public Health encourages all Georgians 6 months of age and older to get a yearly flu vaccine. 

The flu shot takes two weeks to provide protection, so officials said take the time and schedule an appointment with a health-care provider or public health department to get a flu vaccine.

“It’s important that Georgians understand the best way to protect against influenza is to receive an annual flu vaccine,” said Norma Jean Johnson, RN, county nurse manager for Lowndes County Health Department. “Because Georgia saw one of the highest spikes in influenza cases last year, it’s more important than ever to get yourself and your family vaccinated.”

What is new this flu season?

• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating flu viruses.

• Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine is recommended.

• The nasal spray flu vaccine is a vaccine option. Ask health-care providers about what vaccine is right.

Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death, health officials said. 

Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions.

A flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu, health officials said. 

With flu season beginning as early as August and sometimes lasting until May, it is never too late to vaccinate. The vaccine is available as an injection or a nasal spray. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved the use of live attenuated influenza vaccine, also known as the “nasal spray” flu vaccine, as an option during the 2018-19 flu season.

National Influenza Vaccination Week emphasizes the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccination, they said. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. 

The Georgia Department of Public Health encourages all Georgians to take a few minutes to drop by the local health department to get vaccinated. For more information on immunization, visit: http://dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.