According to the CDC, the flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against getting the flu each year.

The best time to get the shot is October of November, when flu season begins. But you can still get vaccinated in December or later.

People who should get a flu shot each year:

• Children, ages 6 months to 5 years old
• Pregnant women
• People aged 50 or older
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

You should not get a flu vaccine if you have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot, or developed Guillain-Barre symdrome within six weeks of getting a previous flu shot.

Since the viruses in the flu shot are inactivated, you can’t get the flu from the vaccine. There are a few minor side effects from the shot including:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where you received the vaccine
• Low-grade fever
• Aches

Source: CDC