Doctors are urging residents to get their shots as flu season approaches.

Some drug stores, like Walgreens, offer flu shots for free and also take walk-in appointments.

Dr. Harish Moorjani, an infectious disease consultant at Northwell Health, says flu season is typically October through April. The shot offers about 6 months of protection, so he says the best time to get it is mid- to late-September.

Moorjan says he understands people have COVID fatigue but washing your hands and practicing social distancing is the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu.

He says getting the COVID booster and the flu shot around the same time is also safe.

Chris Moore, of Hastings, says he got his flu shot earlier than usual this year since his wife is due soon for their baby.

“It helps the community in general and the biggest impact from it is when more people do it…so it's less about me personally, and more just about contributing to greater community health,” he says.