Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) officials urge residents to start the New Year off right by getting a flu shot.

"Make it your New Year's resolution to get vaccinated against the flu," said State Health Officer Dr. Brian Amy. "It is still not too late to get the flu shot and be protected during Mississippi's peak flu season."

Mississippi's flu season typically begins in late December or early January and runs through March. "Since Mississippi's flu season does not typically peak until February or later, late December and early January are still good times to get vaccinated," said Dr. Amy.

MDH county health department clinics across the state are currently administering flu vaccine to children and adults.

Flu vaccinations cost $27 and pneumococcal vaccinations are $40. Mississippians who have Medicaid or Medicare cards should bring them so that costs can be adjusted accordingly.

"If you don't have time to be sick with the flu, then you have to make time to get the flu shot," said Dr. Amy.

Typical symptoms of the flu include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue.

The public is also reminded to follow basic infection control measures to help prevent the spread of the flu. Such measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you are sick, and frequent hand washing.

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