DENVER - You may have noticed the signs. Several of the nation's largest chains began selling flu shots about a week ago. For years, this meant winter was on its way, but flu shots are appearing in the metro area when temperatures are still in the 90s.

The reason several pharmacies have decided to move up the start of flu shot season is due in part to a new federal recommendation. The Center for Disease Control is advising that "everyone older than six months" get vaccinated this season.

9NEWS spoke to the pharmacists at Walgreens who say because of the CDC's recommendations, they started giving shots as soon as the vaccine was available. The sooner, the better, they say, considering the number of people getting vaccinated.

Several customers at the Walgreens in Lone Tree say rather than question it, they're taking advantage of early shots.

"I want to get it, get it without the crowds, and it works!" one patron said.

Pharmacist Lisa Condon says in the wake of last years swine flu outbreak, the CDC is erring on the conservative side.

"There was an issue last year. They ran out of flu vaccine, and so they want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to get vaccinated," Condon said.

Also different from last year you only need one shot instead of two.

"One type of vaccination this year includes the swine flu [the H1N1] and the regular influenza," Condon said.

For those of you who fear maybe it is too early, pharmacists say the vaccine should protect you all season long.

"No, it's not too early. The CDC has released the vaccine, and they say it's okay to use it now," Condon said.

If you don't go through insurance, the shot will cost $29.99. New this year, Walgreens is offering flu shot gift cards so you can give the gift of health to yourself or someone else.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the flu vaccine does not work right away. It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to kick in.

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