MEDIA RELEASE: It's Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot!

Last Updated: 11/10/2025

Tioga County Public Health is encouraging everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccine this year! The flu vaccine covers three strains of seasonal flu and is offered at a variety of locations including doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Annual flu vaccination is recommended because the virus changes yearly. Typical flu season starts in October and ends around May.

Influenza infections are already being reported for Tioga County! As of October 27, 2025, 921 influenza cases have already been reported, with the majority of the cases (67%) being among those ages 20-39, which is also our lowest vaccinated population in Tioga County.

Since it takes two weeks for immunity to develop, it’s important to get vaccinated now to benefit from maximum protection before the holidays! The flu vaccine doesn’t give you the flu, but you can still get the flu while your body develops immunity and even after you have full protection from the vaccine. The good news is that flu vaccination reduces the severity of illness. The vaccine has been shown to provide a lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths. It has also been shown to prevent tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year.

Children, pregnant women, and older adults are more vulnerable to severe illness related to the flu and should not delay getting vaccinated. These populations should speak with their primary care provider to determine the best flu vaccine and timing of vaccination to provide the most protection.

It’s not too late to be vaccinated! Getting vaccinated now is better than not being vaccinated at all. If you have specific questions or concerns about receiving a flu vaccine, speak with your healthcare provider. For more information, please visit cdc.gov/flu.

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