MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Health Department is urging residents to get the flu shot.

According to the department from Sept. 1, 2019-Dec.31, 2019 there were 131 influenza-associated hospitalizations. That is up from 17 in the same time period in 2018.

The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6-months-old and up.

The department says in addition to getting the vaccine, it is important to take other preventative steps like staying away from those that are sick, washing your hands and covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow.