Health Officials Urging Everyone To Get Flu Shot Ahead Of Holidays

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – New CDC data shows most Americans still haven't gotten their flu shot this season. But with the holidays coming, doctors say now is the time to protect yourself.

For years, Jay Feldman didn't bother getting a flu shot. He figured he wouldn't get sick or the flu wouldn't be that bad.

That was until last year.

"About five days bed-ridden. Missing finals. It was tough," he said.

This season, the CDC says only two out of five people in the U.S. have gotten the flu shot.

With flu activity on the rise, health officials are urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated.

Dr. Shanna Levine wants to stress people cannot get the flu from the vaccine.

The possible side effects of the shot: soreness in your arm, aches and fever.

And yes, you need to be vaccinated every year.

The shot changes to match the flu strains expected to be circulating.

Dr. Levine, who works at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, says the more people who get the shot, the less chance the flu has to spread.

"So by getting your flu vaccine, you're not only being good to yourself but your neighbor and your loved ones," Levine said.

Feldman says he's not taking any more chances.

"It takes getting the flu to really get you in here," he said.

While the shot isn't 100 percent effective, doctors say if you get the vaccine, you may not get as sick if you end up with the flu.

Doctors also say the flu shot is safe for pregnant women. And getting vaccinated can also protect a baby after birth from the flu.