State Health Officials Encourage Flu Shots Before Holidays

State health officials are encouraging more Minnesotans to get the flu shot.   Melissa McMahon with Minnesota Department of Health says the vaccine helps prevent serious illness:

“We always say it’s never too late but right now it’s about two weeks before the holidays when a lot of people will gather and travel. And it does take about two weeks for the antibodies to fully build up for you to get full protection. So right now is the perfect time.”

McMahon says the flu vaccine appears to be well-matched for four strains of influenza.  Only about one-third of Minnesotans have gotten a flu shot this season.