National Influenza Vaccination Week was last week, but it’s still relevant this week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccinations as protection against the flu virus.

Flu activity tends to peak between December and February, though it can last into May.

The CDC recommends a flu shot for every person older than six months.

It takes two weeks after the shot for antibodies to develop in the body.

The CDC identities several people who are at high risk, including pregnant women, children younger than five (but especially younger than 2), people age 65 and older and anyone who has certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

The vaccination is especially important for people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities as well as people who live with or care for those at high risk, according to the CDC.

The CDC is urging people to take everyday preventive actions.

Those include:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.