Tyler TX — If you notice a lot of people around you are getting sick, it seems flu season came early this year, but right now professionals are telling us that really its just the vaccines that have.

Professionals tell us that if you get the vaccine now it should keep you immune until May, which is much longer than in the past.

The Director of Public Health Preparedness at the N.E.. Public Health District in Tyler told KETK that getting the flu shot is the number one way to prevent getting the flu.

"If you've had the vaccine the best thing to do is to cover your cough and wash your hands often," said Russell Hopkins. He says the vaccine covers three different strains of the viruses that we will see this year, including the H1N1 flu strain.

So what if you've already been sick, is it too late to get the shot?

Hopkins says, no!

He said, "You should still get the vaccine because you might've just gotten a case from last year or not one of the other three." Also, he told us that the CDC updates the flu shot every year.

We are told that the shot is reasonably priced and quick, but there is a limited supply of the vaccine.

The Pharmacy Manager at Walgreens, Russell Krenek, said, "By getting the shot now they get it out of the way and don't have to worry about it at times we do get an early flu season, this way they're already prepared and they wont have to miss holidays wont miss work, and for kids they wont have to miss school." He also said that the vaccine takes about fourteen days for the body to provide enough antibodies to fight off infection.

There are no recorded cases, however officials from a local hospital tell KETK that they are not recorded unless the infected person goes through the emergency room.

Walgreens is vaccinating for $31.99 and free with Medicare.

In addition to your local pharmacy, The N.E.. Texas Public Health District is offering flu vaccinations at 815 North Broadway in Tyler for $20.00 for the shot and $25.00 for the mist, also accepting Medicare. Also, children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program are only charged $8.00.

Be sure to get your flu shot so you don't end up missing out on the holidays that are just around the corner!