Flu shots offered Friday at mall

The Warren County Health Department will be holding a flu shot clinic this Friday, Nov. 4 at Three Star Mall. The clinic is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $23 for adult and $13.70 for children ages 3-18. Children 6 months to 35 months are free.

Shots are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments will be accepted.

The health department will bill Medicare or TennCare only. All others will need to pay by cash or check. Correct change is preferred. Individuals who attend the clinic are asked to wear short sleeves to make getting the shot easier.

Influenza, also known as flu, is contagious. It is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. The flu kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States, mostly elderly.

Influenza vaccine, or the flu shot, can be given to anyone 6 months or older. It is recommended to people who are at high risk of serious influenza or its complications. These people include:

All children 6-23 months

People 65 years and older

Residents of long-term care facilities

People who have long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and diabetes

People with a weakened immune system

People on long-term aspirin treatment

Women who will be pregnant during flu season

People who can spread the flu to those at high risk are also recommended to receive the vaccine. This includes caretakers of infants from 6-23 months and members of the medical community.

The health department can also offer the vaccine to healthy people who just want to reduce their risk of catching the flu.