Officials with the Montgomery County Health Department are reminding everyone that flu season is approaching.

Most influenza occurs from October through May, according to a release from the department. In recent seasons, most infections have occurred in January and February.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a person should get the vaccine as soon as it is available. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after the shot, and protection lasts about a year. By getting the shot early, one should be protected if flu season comes early. The CDC also recommends that all people six months of age and older get the flu vaccine. By getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves from influenza and may also avoid spreading it to others.

Officials with the Health Department can administer the shot at the Hillsboro Office Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shots may be administered at the Litchfield office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Vaccination clinics will also be held soon in Litchfield, Nokomis, Hillsboro, Coffeen, Witt, Irving, Fillmore, Panama, Donnellson, Taylor Springs, Raymond and Farmersville.

Anyone who would like more information or would like to call to ensure that a nurse is available to administer the vaccine should call the Hillsboro office at 217-532-2001, or the Litchfield Office at 217-324-3430.