A government program also pays for shots for low-income children. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. But officials say now is the best time to get your shot, before the disease spreads. The flu vaccine is a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act, so it's fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Customers get a $5 off $25 coupon when they get the shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.

Websites such as https://vaccinefinder.org can help locate where doses are available in your neighborhood.

Another important note, according to Pruitt, is that children age 8 and under may require two vaccinations at least one month apart to achieve immunity. First, the body's immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection.

It's also recommended that pregnant women get a flu vaccine during any trimester of their pregnancy.

How well the vaccines protect people depends on how closely they match the viruses that are ultimately in circulation.

"There is no live virus in the flu vaccines we provide", Schippert said.

"Last year was more prominent", she said. You're much more likely to experience a bad reaction to the flu than you are to react negatively to the vaccine.

Regular flu shots are $29 and high-dose flu shots - made especially to protect those 65 and older - are $55. The others protect against three.

"The New Jersey Department of Health wanted to raise awareness of the flu vaccine for college students, because college students are one of the lowest portions of the population that actually gets vaccinated". "People think that when you get the flu shot, then you get the flu".

Health officials are already urging people to prepare for what could be another nasty flu season.

Sometimes, some individuals simply aren't protected from the virus despite getting vaccinated.

"We're still limited in what we're able to give", Bevington said.

Reed has her family vaccinated in September, ahead of the start of "flu season" which usually begins in October in Hampton Roads and Virginia, and peaks between December and February.