We’re well into October and you’re probably thinking about apples and leaves and perhaps Thanksgiving. But are you also thinking about getting your flu shot? Experts tell us that now is exactly the time you should be getting your shot- to protect yourself and your loved ones, no matter their age or health condition.

In case you don’t know, the flu can kill or seriously sicken people, even if you’re young and healthy. Last year, estimates are that 80,000 people died from the flu, the highest death toll in 40 years. And hundreds of thousands of others were hospitalized as a result of the flu, which can not only make you sick but can also trigger events such as heart attack or stroke. Since the vaccine doesn’t take full effect until 2 weeks after it’s administered, the longer you wait, the more at risk you’ll be as the flu season begins to take hold. Still think it makes sense to wait, or that you’ll be fine without it? Pull out your tissues and read about these and other flu myths Here.

And yet, estimates are that only 63% of seniors say they will get the shot. Geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan understands that the choice of whether or not to get a flu shot can be confusing to seniors, yet she makes the clear recommendation that her patients do so. Find out what she thinks and why by reading here. Finally, for those of you still not sure, and thinking you’ll take your chances, find out why you’re putting others at risk as you debate the decision, by watching this NPR video here.