Every year, as summer comes to an end and families begin settling into their fall routines, flu season is not always the first thing on our minds. We are thinking about school, work, family activities, holidays and everything else that comes with the months ahead.
But flu season is coming and now is a good time to think about how we can protect ourselves and the people we care about.
For many people, the flu may mean several uncomfortable days at home. For others, it can become much more serious. Older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions can face a greater risk of complications from influenza. Even healthy people can become seriously ill or spread the virus to someone who is more vulnerable.
That is why getting a flu
vaccine is about more than protecting yourself. It is about protecting your circle.
Your circle can be your children, your parents, your grandparents, your friends, your coworkers or anyone you see regularly. We all have people in our lives who matter to us, and sometimes a simple step we take for ourselves can help protect someone else.
We saw the impact vaccination can have during the 2024–2025 flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that flu vaccination prevented approximately 10 million illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths across the United States.
Those numbers represent real people and families.
Vaccination can reduce the risk of illness
Getting vaccinated does not guarantee that you will never get the flu, but vaccination can reduce the risk of illness and serious complications. It is one of the steps we can take before flu activity increases.
Timing matters, too. For most people, September and October are generally good months to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies after vaccination, so getting your flu shot ahead of increased flu activity gives your body time to build protection.
Different flu vaccine options available
One thing I want our community to know is that there are different flu vaccine options available. The right vaccine can depend on a person's age and individual needs. At Immunize El Paso, we offer several options and are happy to help people understand which one may be appropriate for them.
You do not have to figure it out on your own.
Take action before flu season
As a community, we have an opportunity to take action before flu season is in full swing. Make an appointment. Bring your children in. Check on an older family member. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions.
Preventive care does not always feel urgent because we are taking action before something happens. That is exactly what makes it valuable.
Protect your circle
At Immunize El Paso, we believe prevention should be accessible to everyone in our community. Our goal is to help El Pasoans have the information, resources and care they need to protect their health.
Flu season is approaching. Take a moment to think about who is in your circle and what you can do to help protect them.
Get your flu shot. Protect yourself. Protect your circle.
Ivan Luna is the director of Immunize El Paso, a program of ProAction Inc. Immunize El Paso provides community-based vaccination and preventive healthcare services throughout El Paso.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: OPINION: Flu season is coming. Protect yourself and those you love
