Special to the Leader & Times

As the autumn leaves begin to change, another familiar season is arriving: flu season. Every year, influenza impacts millions of Americans, leading to missed school days, lost time at work, and, for some, severe illness or hospitalization. A top priority is keeping the community safe, healthy, and thriving. The single most effective tool available to help achieve that is the annual flu vaccine.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus. While it can cause mild to moderate illness in healthy individuals, it poses a serious threat to those most vulnerable. This includes infants, adults over the age of 65, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. When people choose to get vaccinated, they are not just shielding themselves, they are building a wall of protection around those who cannot defend themselves.

The virus changes slightly every year, which is why last year’s shot will not protect for this season. The updated 2026 flu vaccine has been formulated to target the specific strains expected to circulate most heavily this winter. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full immunity, making early autumn the absolute best time to get the shot before cases begin to spike.

This year, the Seward County Health Department is offering Flucelvax. This flu vaccine is cell-based, not egg-based as in years past. This is available for ages 6 months through age 64, meaning those who are allergic to eggs can get this vaccine. For ages 65 and up, the department is still offering Fluzone, which is egg-based.

To make protecting your family as seamless as possible the department is now offering walk-in flu vaccines with no appointments necessary. These can be done from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday  at the Seward County Health Department at 1411 W. 15th Street. Please bring immunization records, insurance cards, photo ID, birth certificates, and referral if needed.

Getting the flu shot is a quick, simple act that yields a massive return for public health.