“To be protected this coming flu season, everyone 50 and over should get a flu shot this fall,” Walker said. “Flu shots typically are available from your regular doctor, possibly as early as September, as well as at many local pharmacies during October or November.”

This year the flu shot will offer protection against A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like virus and A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like virus, and B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like virus.

In addition to adults over 50, this year we are making a special effort to remind people that pregnant women, anyone with a chronic heart or lung condition, and infants between 6 and 59 months are at higher risk of serious complications from flu and need flu shots. Also, anyone working in a health care setting has a good chance of getting exposed to flu and needs to protect themselves, their families and their patients by getting an annual flu shot.

This year the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices increased the recommended cut-off age of infants from 24-months-old to 59-months-old. Women should notify their flu-shot provider if they are pregnant so they can be administered a Thimerosal-free vaccine.

The low-cost vaccinations will be administered for a small fee of $20 per person, but nobody will be denied due to an inability to pay. Payment may be made in cash or check, and can be covered by Medicare. Those with HMO health plans, such as Secure Horizons and Senior Advantage should receive vaccinations from their health care provider.

Beginning October 16, adults who want to protect themselves can find low cost shots at a wide variety of locations in California, including community health centers, chain pharmacies and even some independent pharmacies, as well as their private doctor or HMO.

Flu season lasts through January or February, so November and December are still appropriate months to get a flu shot. If the public would like more information, they should contact the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency’s Public Health Services at 558-8872.