The Cook County Department of Public Health is making its annual plea to encourage residents to get immunized and protect themselves against the seasonal flu.

Dr. Catherine Counard, a physician in communicable disease control with the department, said the county will begin to host immunization clinics in the coming weeks. The influenza vaccine is given free to Cook County residents.

Q Who should get the flu shot?

A Anyone who wants to protect themselves from influenza. The most recent recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is that those 50 and older, pregnant women and all children up to age 18 be vaccinated against influenza. We’re moving toward ultimately recommending that everyone get it this year. There is no shortage of vaccine, so anyone who would like to protect themselves should. The more people that get vaccinated, the less disease there will be in the community.

Q When is the best time to get vaccinated?

A Now is the time. The influenza season lasts from Oct. 1 to the end of May. The peak in most years is in February, and it takes usually two weeks from when you get the shot to develop immunity.

Q What types of vaccines are available?

A There’s two. There’s the live nasal spray flu mist, which has a live, weakened form of the influenza in it. Then there’s the injection, which doesn’t have any live virus in it.

Q What are some common misconceptions about the flu?

A The influenza is a serious illness. Even if you’re a young person, you’re going to be knocked flat for two weeks. Every year, we have a nationwide outbreak and 36,000 die each year — 600 die in suburban Cook County alone.