JACKSON COUNTY — The Jackson County Health Department is now providing flu shots on a walk-in basis and planning a number of outreach flu shot clinics in the coming days.

Walk-in vaccination is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Tuesday evenings until 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the walk-in clinics, people can get their flu vaccine at health department clinics offered in the community. They will be held at the following locations:

Carbondale Senior Services on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Murphysboro Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

SIUC Student Recreation Center (State employees and families) on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also get you flu shot at the Jackson County Health Department Shred Day Event on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon.

An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Getting a flu shot not only protects you during the upcoming flu season, but it also stops the spread of flu to others. Flu season typically runs from October through May. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination. High dose flu vaccination is available for those age 65 years and older.

Flu vaccination is free for anyone with Medicare B, Medicaid, State employees, and State retirees upon presentation of their insurance cards. The health department also accepts most types of health insurance, so please bring your insurance card at the time of service.

Vaccination fees can also be paid by cash or check.  Debit or credit cards are only able to be accepted  at the health department location, 415 Health Department Road, Murphysboro, Illinois.

For more information on community clinic dates and locations, go to www.jchdonline.org or call 684-3143, ext. 150. You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCHDonline.