The flu season is back. Health centers once again are ready to fight with the vaccine as the cycle ramps up every fall. The more people vaccinated helps keep the flu from becoming a widespread outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that up to 20 percent of the population will get the flu this year, with over 200,000 people hospitalized with serious complications that could lead to death.

Here are four reasons why you should get the vaccine.

It helps protect you from getting sick

Your body is the best defense and the vaccine helps the fight. The vaccine has weakened or dead germs that your immune system uses to build a resistance. Now your body has a shield against the virus.

"The fact is that vaccines are safe, well tested, and they work," said Tamara Sheffield, MD, medical director for Community Health and Prevention at Intermountain Healthcare. "Vaccines jumpstart your immune system by helping your body build immunity to diseases and germs you may come in contact with later."

The CDC says it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to build in your body.

Health officials recommend everyone over six months of age get vaccinated and especially those at high risk for serious complications. That includes:

• Children younger than two years of age
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women
• People with certain medical conditions

It helps others at risk

If someone wants to play the odds of not getting the flu then it puts others in danger.

"Young infants and those with some serious medical conditions cannot be vaccinated. When others choose not to be vaccinated, they put these very vulnerable people at risk," Sheffield said.

The risk can lead to serious health problems that can result in hospitalizations and even death.

If you do get sick then it helps with the severity

The vaccine has been effective at keeping the flu away among healthy adults and children. There is, however, still a chance of getting the flu, especially with weak immune systems.

A recent CDC study shows that there is a 70 percent reduction in hospitalizations with adults who got vaccinated.

So while you might be able to still get the flu, the vaccine can lessen the effects.

The virus is always changing

The influenza virus is always changing and adapting to attack the immune system and so this flu is not the same as before. Even if you got vaccinated last season you still need the new vaccine this year. When one vaccine is produced and used then the virus finds another way to attack the immune system.

There's also not just one virus every year. This year's vaccines fights mainly three to four different flu strains. There are several different vaccines given based on age and health history.

Getting the vaccine annually can help keep you and your loved ones healthy and hospital-free.

For more information on the current flu season in Utah, visit Intermountain Healthcare's GermWatch service.

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