It’s autumn. Days grow shorter, trees are starting to turn color. More mornings and evenings carry a chill. Birds are headed south.

Another sign of the season: Flu shots are returning in the region.

A number of area sites will offer annual flu vaccinations, beginning at the end of this month and continuing through October.

Anyone 6 months or older is recommended to get a flu vaccine. The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department encourages new parents, health care professionals and those who have contact with people age 65 and older to get vaccinated to help protect high-risk individuals.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, flu vaccinations should begin soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October.

But as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s worth getting the shot, even in January — when activity usually peaks — or later, according to the CDC. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, so it’s best to get the flu shot sooner rather than later, before influenza begins to spread in the community, the CDC said.

Infants, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions- such as heart, lung or kidney disease or a weakened immune system — are at higher risk for complication from the flu virus, so should make sure they obtain the vaccine annually.

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov

— The Daily News (Iron Mountain)