As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year to keep people healthy and not overload the health care system. While a flu vaccine won't protect against COVID-19, flu vaccines will reduce your risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.

"You need to get the flu vaccine at least two weeks prior to the onset of flu activity in your region," says Dr. Priya Sampathkumar, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist. On this edition of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Sampathkumar discusses who should get a flu vaccine and when.