INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana health officials are still encouraging Hoosiers to get flu shots amid a nationwide epidemic of the virus and five deaths in Indiana.

 ndiana Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams tells WIBC that five people in Indiana over age 65 have died from the flu so far this season. 

Adams says it's definitely not too late for people to get vaccinated. He says this year's vaccination remains 50 percent effective despite reports the predominant flu strain wasn't covered in this year's vaccine. 

State Health Department Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joan Duwve says it's likely that people who get vaccinated every year will have some protection from the unpredicted strain. 

Vigo County Health Department educator Christina Keller also advises people to get flu shots and to keep their hands washed.