It is never too late to be vaccinated. In general, it is always a good idea to keep up with your routine vaccinations but if you haven’t been doing so, you can still be vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about which immunizations you might need.

Certain vaccines require annual doses such as the influenza or “flu” vaccine. This is due to the fact that the flu virus changes so quickly that vaccines from the previous winter season offer no protection. Flu shots usually become available in the fall and it is best to get one right away. However, even if you wait until February, it is still a good idea to get that season’s flu shot — especially if the flu season has not yet peaked in your area. It is critical for seniors to get the flu shot because the elderly are most susceptible to serious complications from influenza, including death.