ILLINOIS — Flu season starts in October, and the Illinois Department of Public Health is pushing everyone in the state to get a flu shot — and they mean everyone.

You can get a flu shot from your doctor, at your local health department, at most pharmacies, or sometimes at work.

Melaney Arnold with the Illinois Department of Public Health said there’s no reason why you can’t get a flu shot this year, but she said many people won’t get a shot.

“Young children and adults 65 years old and older have higher immunization rates” Arnold said. “The lowest rate is actually among people 18 years old to 49 years old.”

Some doctors are offering a mist vaccine, but Arnold said IDPH recommends the flu shot because it’s more effective.

Arnold said some doctors are recommending that younger people hold off on getting a vaccine. IDPH doesn’t agree.

“IDPH recommends anybody over 6 months old get a flu shot,” Arnold said. “The flu can impact anybody, even a healthy person.”

The CDC said flu activity typically happens between October and May and peaks between December and February. Arnold said the flu isn’t a joke. Tens of thousands of people across the country will die from the flu this winter.