For those looking to be vaccinated, flu vaccines can be found in doctors offices, pharmacies and health centers across the country. For those unsure where to start, vaccines can be found at vaccinefinder.org.

Every year, millions of Americans dutifully head to their local doctor's office, pharmacy or health center to get their yearly flu vaccine. Still, many do not, potentially putting themselves and those around them at risk of contracting the flu.

Dr. Samuel Detwiler, a physician at the Butler Health System, says the flu vaccine is the best way to halt the effects and spread of the flu.

“You should get a flu vaccine before flu begins spreading in your community,” he said. “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.”

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made this recommendation in 2010, following a particularly bad flu season in 2009.

The committee's recommendation stressed the importance of vaccinating those who are potentially vulnerable to developing complications due to contracting the disease, including the elderly, infirm, pregnant women and others.

“Encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated,” Detwiler said. “Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk for developing flu complications and their close contacts.”

Complications can be serious and sometimes lethal, especially for those vulnerable to illness.

This includes the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, those already struggling with illness and others.

“If you have a loved one who is at high risk of flu complications and they develop flu symptoms, encourage them to get a medical evaluation for possible treatment with flu antiviral drugs,” Detwiler said. “These drugs work best if given within 48 hours of when symptoms start.”

For those at risk or in contact with vulnerable people, Detwiler recommended taking additional steps to protect against the flu.

“In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine, you can take simple preventive measures like staying away from sick people, covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu,” he said.

While the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the flu, still, it's not 100 percent effective.

The CDC lists several ways someone may contract the flu even after being vaccinated, and explains why it is still important to vaccinate.

First, the vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect, and it is possible to contract the flu before the vaccine is fully functional in the body. Second, there are many types of flu viruses and not all are included in the vaccine, just the ones researchers believe to be the most prevalent that year. Third, vaccines are imperfect and vaccinated individuals may still contract the flu, though they are much less likely compared to nonvaccinated individuals.

Those who do contract the flu, vaccinated or otherwise, can take steps to minimize the risks to others.

“If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others,” Detwiler said. “In addition, there are prescription medications that can be used to treat influenza illness and to shorten the duration of symptoms.”

For those looking to be vaccinated, flu vaccines can be found in doctors offices, pharmacies and health centers across the country.

For those unsure where to start, vaccines can be found at vaccinefinder.org.