PIERRE - The flu season is officially under way in South Dakota.

State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger said doctors have reported two cases of the disease so far this fall.

The last flu season claimed 5 lives in South Dakota; 11 people died from the flu in South Dakota during 2005. Many of them were elderly or had weak immune systems.

Medical officials recommend that people get flu shots. The vaccinations take about 2 weeks to become effective and provide protection for about 3 months.

Kightlinger reminds parents that the state Health Department is providing free flu vaccine this year for children.