Covington County residents who have not received their flu vaccinations are reminded to do so before flu season arrives, health officials said.

With temperatures dipping into fall-like weather this week, the flu season is on the horizon.

“Flu season typically runs November through May, but the flu vaccine will now protect folks for longer than it was once thought,” Nursing Coordinator Cindy McAlpin said. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.”

McAlpin said it is very important for those who are in the high-risk group to get the vaccine, especially pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung diseases.

In addition, health care workers, other people who live or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to these people should receive it.

Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. Their caretakers should receive the vaccination.

Flu vaccinations are available Monday through Wednesday and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then 1 p.m. to 3:30 at the Covington County Health Department.