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.

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.

This is an excerpt, read the full story in Tuesday’s Butler Eagle.