Last year, Indiana reported more than 270 flu-related deaths, according to state health department data. Photo from Adobe Stock.

By Gregg Montgomery and Joe Ulery
WISH-TV and Indiana News Service

INDIANAPOLIS — With the start of fall, health officials are urging the public to prepare for the upcoming flu season by getting vaccinated.

Flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and February, making early vaccination crucial to prevent illness.

“We’re expecting this year to be moderate, but last year was severe,” said Dr. Sarah Nosal, president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. This year’s vaccine is trivalent, offering protection against three strains of the influenza virus.

For the first time, an at-home flu vaccine, FluMist, is available in 34 states for nonpregnant people ages 2 to 49. Nosal advised consulting a doctor to ensure eligibility for the FluMist vaccine, particularly for those with certain medical conditions. That list of states excludes Indiana. FluMist Home will not be available in Alaska, Arkansas, the District of Columbus, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.