Carle Health - West Region
10/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2026 16:25
Keep your community healthy; prevent the spread of illness with an annual flu shot
With the start of autumn comes the start of flu and respiratory illness season. Late September through November is typically the best time to receive an annual flu vaccination to prevent the spread of illness in the community throughout the fall and winter.
Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older and especially for those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems. Even if you received a flu shot in 2025, the virus changes year to year, and an updated vaccination offers the best protection from current stains.
"Influenza can pose a serious threat for those with underlying health conditions and compromised immune systems," Robert Healy, MD, associate chief medical officer, quality, patient safety and experience, Carle Health, said. "And during the fall and winter, illness can rapidly spread through the community."
Flu vaccines are proven to prevent some cases of influenza and help shorten the duration and severity of others. If you have questions about whether the flu vaccine is a good option for you, talk to your primary care provider.
Throughout the Carle Health system, flu shots are available for patients:
Convenient Care is also a good care option for those experiencing flu, colds, or other infections that cause sore throats and aches. Community members should call 9-1-1 or be driven to the nearest emergency department when struggling to breathe, or when developing a considerable fever.
Patients can visit Carle.org/GetCare for support finding the right level of care for their needs and to connect with local healthcare resources. Patients can also call the CARE line at (217) 326-CARE to ask questions about what care they should seek.
"Beyond receiving a flu shot, there are many ways to help limit the spread of illness, such as frequent handwashing and wearing a mask if you're experiencing symptoms," Dr. Healy said. "But staying up to date with your vaccination schedule is one of the most effective tools we have to maintain our health and the health of our loved ones."
Taking these measures helps support the health and wellbeing of our community. For more information about flu resources at Carle Health, visit carle.org.
Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older and especially for those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems. Even if you received a flu shot in 2025, the virus changes year to year, and an updated vaccination offers the best protection from current stains.
"Influenza can pose a serious threat for those with underlying health conditions and compromised immune systems," Robert Healy, MD, associate chief medical officer, quality, patient safety and experience, Carle Health, said. "And during the fall and winter, illness can rapidly spread through the community."
Flu vaccines are proven to prevent some cases of influenza and help shorten the duration and severity of others. If you have questions about whether the flu vaccine is a good option for you, talk to your primary care provider.
Throughout the Carle Health system, flu shots are available for patients:
- By request during a primary care appointment.
- At a flu clinic for specific patient groups listed on the Flu Central web page.
- At a Carle Health Convenient Care location.
- At the Carle Mobile Health Clinic.
- At a local retail pharmacy.
Convenient Care is also a good care option for those experiencing flu, colds, or other infections that cause sore throats and aches. Community members should call 9-1-1 or be driven to the nearest emergency department when struggling to breathe, or when developing a considerable fever.
Patients can visit Carle.org/GetCare for support finding the right level of care for their needs and to connect with local healthcare resources. Patients can also call the CARE line at (217) 326-CARE to ask questions about what care they should seek.
"Beyond receiving a flu shot, there are many ways to help limit the spread of illness, such as frequent handwashing and wearing a mask if you're experiencing symptoms," Dr. Healy said. "But staying up to date with your vaccination schedule is one of the most effective tools we have to maintain our health and the health of our loved ones."
Taking these measures helps support the health and wellbeing of our community. For more information about flu resources at Carle Health, visit carle.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: COVID-19, Flu, Illness, Influenza, Respiratory, RSV, Seasonal, Vaccination, Virus
Carle Health - West Region published this content on October 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 05, 2026 at 22:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]