WORCESTER, Mass. - The CDC is recommending people get their flu shots before the end of October in preparation for the first flu season without COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Health leaders said the flu season could start earlier and be stronger because there were fewer cases during the pandemic, so there's a gap in immunity.

Locally, CVS Pharmacies offer the flu shot, and a recent survey indicated 43% of Americans plan to get their flu shot at a retail pharmacy.

"We’re hopeful everyone will be vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu,” said Vicki Saengkheune, pharmacy manager at CVS. “You can get the flu shot and the COVID booster if you are eligible at the same time. We’re hoping that everyone takes proactive measures to get vaccinated so that we can decrease the risk of everyone contracting both viruses and also minimize the impact on our health care resources."

CVS carries multiple flu vaccine options, including the higher dose vaccine which is recommended for seniors.  

The CDC said the flu shot can be given with any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine a patient is eligible for. Other immunizations, like those to prevent pneumonia and shingles, can also be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.