The Flathead City-County Health Department will be setting up their annual flu clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

“The clinic serves a dual purpose of offering flu vaccines with little wait time and testing public health emergency preparedness. Due to this yearly test of setting up a Point of Dispensing site, we are able to work out any issues so that in a real public health emergency the process will be fluid for the public.” said Deputy Health Officer and Incident Commander Kerry Nuckles.

In preparation for this coming influenza season, the Health Department would like remind everyone to take the first and most important step in protecting against influenza, “the flu”, by getting a flu shot. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every season. Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu, but it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Additional services include a drive-up vaccine service to accommodate people with special needs or who are unable to get out of their vehicles. Pneumonia vaccines will also be available to those who are eligible. Most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare will be accepted; no one will be refused vaccine due to inability to pay. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, or even death. Anyone can get the flu, and vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza.

For more information, visit flatheadhealth.org or call 751-8110.