It’s important to get the flu shot each year to protect you and your family from this potentially serious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot by the end of October. Image 3 reasons to get the flu shot this year: It’s free. With Marketplace health insurance, immunizations are a covered preventive care benefit. Your flu shot is free from a provider in your plan's network. It's easy. You can get the flu shot at many locations, like pharmacies and grocery stores. It helps protect you and others. A flu shot can lower your chance of getting sick and spreading the flu to others. Get more information on protecting yourself from the flu.