Trinity Hospital Twin City will begin seasonal flu shot clinics Monday, Oct. 17, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the hospital conference room located next to the specialty clinic waiting area. Those wishing to receive the seasonal flu vaccine will need to park in the back parking lot and enter the building through the side entrance; the conference room is located down the hall on the left hand side. No appointment is necessary. Participants need to be 18 years of age or older. Those covered by a traditional or managed care plan of Medicare or Medicaid can receive their shots at no cost provided that they bring their benefit cards to the clinic. The shots are being made available for $25, paid via cash or check at the time of service, for all others. Additional seasonal flu shot clinic dates are as follows: Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 5-7 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the same location.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to receive the flu vaccine. The flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. People who are at high risk for serious seasonal flu complications should receive a flu vaccine. Some examples of people who fall into the high risk category are elderly, young children, people with chronic health conditions and people working in close contact with the public.

By receiving the seasonal flu vaccine and performing good health habits you will have less chance of suffering common flu symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. The CDC recommends the following good health habits for prevention: avoid close contact, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose, clean your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Staff members of the hospital’s Trinity Medical Group will be conducting the flu shot clinic. Anyone with questions about eligibility or about the clinic should call 740-922-0000.