SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois health officials say it's time for people to start getting their annual flu shots.

The Public Health Department says virtually everyone should get a vaccination every year to guard against new strains of the flu. The exceptions are babies under 6 months old and people who are allergic to the vaccine.

Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says vaccinations protect the people getting them and also vulnerable people who might suffer from a flu outbreak, such as the elderly or pregnant women.