As December begins, Indy doctors want you to know: It’s not too late to get vaccinated.
Rita Patel, a pediatrician at Jane Pauley Community Health Center, said shots are encouraged earlier in September and October because it takes about two weeks for full immunity to kick in.
“This is the best protection we have against a virus that makes you feel crummy or even leads to hospitalizations and death,” Patel told Mirror Indy. “It’s still a great time to get vaccinated.”
Currently, an Indiana Department of Health dashboard shows minimal flu activity, with two deaths reported since late November. Between 2024 and early 2025, the state had one of the worst flu seasons in the last decade, with spiking hospitalizations leading to visitor restrictions at Indianapolis hospitals.
That’s why Patel recommended getting vaccinated before gathering with family and friends.
“All our virus numbers tend to go up after the holidays,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are really vulnerable to infections.”
That includes older adults and people who are immunocompromised. Infants who are 6 months old or younger are also at risk because they aren’t eligible yet to receive the flu shot.
“You have to protect them by creating a bubble of healthy people around them,” Patel said.
Where to get vaccinated in Indy
Most pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, offer the vaccines at no cost. The Indiana Immunization Coalition holds clinic office hours every Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6919 E. 10th St. If you do not have insurance or a regular medical provider, you can also get vaccinated at a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Patel had one last reminder: Just because you end up getting sick this season doesn’t mean the flu shot didn’t work.
“You could’ve gotten a different virus or a strain that wasn’t covered,” she said. The vaccine “still protects you from getting really sick, so you’ll have a milder case.”
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Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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