Health departments around the state have started taking appointments for flushots. Cerro Gordo county health department spokeswoman Teresa Symenssays this year’s shot is designed to protect against several strains.Symens says you need to allow enough time for the shot to start working. Shesays it takes about two weeks for the shot to get working.Symens says there are high risk groups that should always receive a flushot. They include people 65 and over and those who work in the health careprofession.