Flu season is coming, and the West Central Health District, which serves Columbus and 15 surrounding counties, is urging everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot now, before the virus starts spreading widely.

The district has launched a "Don't Let Flu Knock You Out" campaign this fall. "Flu can be much more serious than a few days of feeling sick," Colethia Moore, the district's nursing and clinical director, said in announcing the campaign.

Where to get a flu shot in Columbus

• Columbus Health Department, 5601 Veterans Parkway (lower level). Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 833-337-1749 for availability, cost and appointments.
• Your doctor's office or a local pharmacy. Most offer flu shots during the fall.
• Children without insurance may qualify for free or low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. Call the Columbus Health Department at 706-321-6300.

Who should get one

Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine every year. It's especially important for:

• Pregnant women. A flu shot during pregnancy also helps protect babies in their first months, before they're old enough to be vaccinated.
• Older adults and people with health conditions, who face a higher risk of serious complications.
• Young children. Vaccination has cut children's risk of being admitted to pediatric intensive care for flu by almost 75%, according to the health district.

Why it's worth it

The flu shot doesn't prevent every case, but it makes illness less severe. During the 2024-2025 season, vaccination prevented an estimated 10 million flu illnesses and 180,000 hospitalizations nationwide, according to the CDC figures the district cited.

You can get a flu shot at the same visit as other recommended vaccines.

For more information or to find a health department in the region, visit westcentralhealthdistrict.com or call 833-337-1749.