Flu season typically peaks in February and, though this year’s vaccine has doubters, medical professionals still advise that everyone receive a flu shot.

World flu experts meet in February of each year to formulate a vaccine for the next flu season. This year, after the vaccine was already manufactured and distributed, a strain evolved that is causing the vaccine to be less effective. 

Health industry leaders are in talks on how to improve the vaccine, looking at its creation, production, and distribution. Georgia Tech was cited in a Jan. 22 Bloomberg News article for its efforts in developing microneedle patches that would make distributing and dispensing the vaccine more efficient by eliminating the need to handle a refrigerated liquid vaccine. 

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, protect others around you who are more vulnerable, and make your illness milder if you do get sick. 

In past seasons, the flu vaccine was cited as having a 71 percent reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages. Particularly for pregnant women and older adults, the flu vaccine can mitigate illness and reduce the chance of hospitalizations. 

As of late December, the CDC reported that about half of the U.S. was experiencing high flu activity. Stamps Health Services still has doses of the vaccine, which it offers for $25 to faculty and staff. Employees can make an appointment to get the vaccine or receive it during any regularly scheduled appointment at the health center. Students who have paid their health fee can receive shots for free.

To learn more or make an appointment, visit health.gatech.edu.