MEDIA RELEASE: Don’t Delay, Get Your Flu Shot Today!

Last Updated: 10/9/2026

Tioga County Public Health is encouraging everyone six months and older to get their annual flu shot. The flu vaccine covers three strains of seasonal flu and is offered at a variety of locations, including primary care offices, walk‑in clinics, and pharmacies. Annual flu vaccination is recommended because the virus changes each year. Typical flu season runs from October through May; however, Tioga County began seeing cases as early as September. Currently, the majority of local flu cases are occurring in people aged 70 and older

Since it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, it’s important to get vaccinated now to ensure maximum protection before the holidays. The flu shot cannot give you the flu, but you can still get sick before your body has built immunity or, in some cases, even after vaccination. The good news is that flu vaccination significantly reduces the rate and severity of illness. Each year, the flu vaccine prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations and lowers the risk of ICU admissions and deaths.

To help protect yourself and others from the flu, Tioga County Public Health recommends:

• Getting your annual flu vaccine.
• Practicing good handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.

Children, pregnant women, and older adults are at higher risk for severe flu illness and should not delay getting vaccinated. These individuals should talk with their primary care provider about which flu vaccine is most appropriate for them and when to receive it for optimal protection.

Where to get a flu vaccine:

• Your primary care provider's office.
• Local pharmacies across Tioga County.
• Walk‑in clinics and urgent care sites offering flu vaccination.
• Many employer‑sponsored or community clinics (check availability).

Don’t delay—get vaccinated today. If you have questions or concerns about receiving a flu vaccine, speak with your healthcare provider. For more information, please visit cdc.gov/flu.

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