By Fatma Al Bayitee, MD

As flu season nears, getting an annual flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community from serious illness. Despite its proven benefits, only about half of Americans get the flu vaccine each year.

Why the Flu Shot Is Important.

The flu can cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths each year. The flu vaccine greatly reduces the risk of infection, and even if you do get sick, it can lessen the severity of your symptoms and lower the chances of hospitalization or death. Vaccinated people who are hospitalized with the flu are less likely to need intensive care and often recover more quickly.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms.

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and headaches. Some individuals may also experience vomiting or diarrhea, although this is more common in children.

Additional Ways to Protect Yourself.

Besides getting vaccinated, you can lower your risk of catching or spreading the flu by washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and staying home if you’re feeling unwell.

Seniors and the Flu.

Older adults are especially at risk for flu complications because of weakened immune systems. According to the National Institute on Aging, those aged 65 and older account for most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths each year. High-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are designed to offer better protection for this group.

The Bottom Line.

Getting a flu shot every year is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself and those around you—especially the most vulnerable. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best time to get vaccinated and which flu vaccine is right for you.

BMG Flu Shot Clinics.

All Buffalo Medical Group patients aged eight and older are invited to attend our BMG Flu Shot Clinics to receive their seasonal flu vaccine. The clinics are by appointment only and scheduled through MyBMGChart.

Convenient Drive-Up Clinics.

Drive-through clinics at 325 Essjay Road in Williamsville and 3900 North Buffalo Road in Orchard Park will be held in the parking lots of both locations every Saturday from September 13, 2025, to October 11, 2025, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The clinics at 85 High St. in Buffalo will take place on the third floor of the building every Monday, from September 15 through October 13, 2025, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Fatma Al Bayitee, MD, is a Primary Care Provider at Buffalo Medical Group. Learn more at https://buffalomedicalgroup.com, or call 716-630-1000.