Be a hero. Get your flu shot.

Every year, the flu puts our families, friends and neighbors at risk. But there’s an easy way to protect everyone.

Get a flu shot, because when you do, you're protecting yourself, kids, grandparents, pregnant women, friends and colleagues with health problems. In short, everyone you meet, because germs are everywhere.

Why it matters:

• The flu shot lowers your chance of getting seriously sick or ending up in the hospital. It can also help you avoid missing work, which could impact your income.

• Some people are more likely to get the flu and suffer. Your shot helps protect them.

• Fewer flu cases mean less stress on our doctors, nurses and hospitals. This way, they can continue to focus on other health concerns.

Who should get it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older should get a flu shot each year (with only a few exceptions). It’s extra important for:

• Older adults, especially those 65 years and older

• Young children, especially those six months to five years old

• Pregnant women

• People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weak immune systems

• Caregivers, healthcare workers and people in nursing homes

If you have allergies or health concerns, check with your doctor first.

Your local health professionals support it

Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum Valley Health Centers (MVHC), the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department and Rambo Health Clinic agree that everyone gets the flu shot. They also agree that the real heroes are you, the people who roll up their sleeves to protect themselves and their community.

The flu shot is safe and easy to get close to home. Call your doctor or any of the healthcare facilities listed below for more details.

Be the reason someone you love stays healthy this season.