STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) —  Flu season is fast approaching, and a number of us may be wondering when we should take a trip to the doctor to get vaccinated.

Dr. Ruth Sorotzkin, a family medicine physician at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, says the optimal time to get a flu shot is now.

She answered these essential questions about flu shots during a visit to KCAL9 on Sunday morning:

• Why should we get the flu shot?
• When is flu season at its peak?  When is the best time to get a flu shot?
• What makes the shot so effective?  How many different flu strains will this year’s shot protect us against?
• How long does the shot last?  Is there any benefit to receiving a flu shot twice a year?
• What are the potential side effects of a flu shot?
• What are the greatest myths about the flu shot?
• Why is it so difficult to convince patients to get flu shots annually?
• Which high-risk patient population should be getting the flu shot?
• For expecting mothers, why is the flu shot so important?  Are there any potential risks to unborn babies?
• With school back in session; how important is it for parents, teachers and children to get flu shots?
• Last year’s flu season was considered “mild.”  Can this be attributed to a higher number of people getting shots?

For more information about Saint John’s Health Center, visit their website.