It’s not too late to get a flu shot. That’s the message health officials in Connecticut are putting out to the public.
Health officials were in East Hartford Saturday morning offering free vaccines to anyone who hasn’t got one this season.
Flu shots were available to anyone 4-years-old and up.
It takes two weeks to acquire immunity from the vaccine. Experts say the flu should start peaking in a week, but the season is expected to last at least until May, possibly June.
Close to 5,000 cases of the flu have been documented in Connecticut since last August, including 77 deaths. That’s the highest number since the state started keeping track five years ago.
The flu has hit all age groups, though the elderly and baby boomers have been most impacted by the potentially fatal strain of the disease.
This year’s vaccine covers four strains, and health officials estimate it is 20 to 30 percent effective.
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Although the effectiveness of this year’s vaccine against the most prevalent strain is lower than previous years, health officials say getting the shot could mean the difference between getting a minor illness or being hospitalized. Those who get the vaccine tend to see less severe symptoms and recover faster.
