Getting vaccinated annually can help to ward off this respiratory illness which can lead to hospitalizations & death. Everyone over the age of 6 months & older should consider getting a flu vaccine especially the elderly, children and those with underlying health conditions. Flu season usually begins during the fall and winter. Beginning October peaking between December & February but can last through May. Every year there are different strains with the flu virus constantly changing. This is the reason why it is so important to get vaccinated yearly.