SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield-Greene County Health Department will hold public clinics in November to offer flu vaccinations at no cost to children and adults considered to be at high risk for developing complications from seasonal influenza.

 High risk individuals eligible to be vaccinated at these public clinics include:
·     Senior adults age 65 and older
·     Adults and children 5 - 18 years old with chronic health conditions
·     Children 6 - 59 months old
·     Women who will be pregnant during the 2008-09 influenza season
·     Adults and children 5 - 18 years old who are in close contact with the ill, people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, infants under 6 months old, or people considered to be at high risk

Clinics will be held on the following dates:
·      Monday, Nov. 3 (2 - 6 p.m.) - Fair Grove City Hall, 81 Orchard Blvd, Fair Grove
·      Wednesday, Nov. 5 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - Salvation Army, 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield (use east entrance)
·      Thursday, Nov. 6 (2 p.m. - 6 p.m.) - Willard Community Center, 222 W. Jackson St, Willard
·      Wednesday, Nov. 12 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - Boys and Girls Club Stalnaker Unit, 1410 N. Fremont Ave., Springfield
·      Thursday, Nov. 13 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - Ozark Trails Council. Boy Scouts of America, 1616 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield

Vouchers are not required for these clinics.  People being vaccinated should wear a short-sleeved shirt under their coat for easy access to the upper arm.  Individuals should also bring Medicaid and Medicare cards.

Seasonal influenza strikes up to one in five Americans each year, causing an average of 200,000 people to be hospitalized with complications and killing 36,000 people.  Experts agree that an annual vaccination is the best protection against seasonal influenza.  Even individuals who are not considered to be at high risk should contact their health care provider about getting a flu vaccination.  Flu vaccinations are also available at several local businesses such as pharmacies and drugstores.

In addition to a flu shot, individuals can protect themselves against flu by washing their hands frequently with soap and warm water, keeping a distance from people who are ill and not sharing personal items.  People who are sick are encouraged to stay home, wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, and cover their nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.

For more information on seasonal influenza, visit the health department online at www.springfieldmo.gov/health or call the Public Health Information Line at (417) 864-1166.