This time last year the world was wary of "swine flu."
It was spreading mainly across college campuses and a vaccine for the virus wasn't available until October, and even then only in small batches.
The H1N1 virus will be one of the flu strains circulating again this year, but not at the threatening levels we saw last year.
The Centers for Disease Control is predicting a normal flu season, which usually peaks in February.
Still, flu experts say september is not too early for a flu shot.
"There's a concern I understand even among some physicians that if we get vaccinated now, our protection will wane by the time February comes around. That's not correct," says Vanderbilt University's Dr. William Schaffner.
Unlike last year, flu vaccine is now in abundant supply across the country.
Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS stores started selling the shots in August.
One upgrade from 2009's often confusing schedule of two different vaccines plus a booster...most people only need one shot this year.
People over age 65 are most at risk for complications from the flu: Pneumonia, hospitalizations and death.
The FDA has approved a super-potent flu shot called "Fluzone High Dose" for that age group this year.
It contains four times the amount of vaccine that's in a regular shot.
"This enhanced potency vaccine gives the immune system more punch, it's supposed to give you more protection," Dr. Schaffner explains.
That shot is covered by Medicare and CVS and Walgreens have announced they will soon offer vouchers for free regular flu shots for those who qualify financially.
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