Marion County Public Health wants to remind residents to get their flu shots.

As winter begins flu cases rise across the country with the peak seen in most often in February. No vaccine is 100%effective, according to the health department but there are many reasons to get vaccinated for influenza. Even with vaccine effectiveness in the range of 30 to 60%, influenza vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. In addition to the flu shot residents are reminded about the 3 C’s: cover your cough, clean your hands, and contain germs by staying home when ill.