The Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Somerville

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Massachusetts than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. The same was true in five of the past six years, Google's data indicate. (The one outlier: In 2009-2010 there was a spike in flu-related searches in October.)

In other words, in Massachusetts, flu activity is considered high now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends.

If you're considering getting a flu shot, there are a number of places in Somerville that offer the vaccine. Here are some places:

• City Hall Annex (every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) (Note: As of Jan. 10, 2013, the city ran out of flu vaccinations and these clinics have been canceled)
• Rite Aid
• CVS
• Walgreen's
• Target
• Stop & Shop

Find more locations here.

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. 

Five states—Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee—are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally peaks in January and February.

Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How flu spreads