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KALISPELL- Thanks to a donation Sanofi Pastuer, the Flathead City-County Health Department will hold a community flu clinic, offering free and reduced cost flu vaccine, on Thursday, December 8th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center Building.

Health officials say a minimal fee of $15.00 will be charged to cover vaccine administration expenses, but no one will be denied vaccine due to inability to pay. Vouchers for free flu shots have been distributed to local agencies and checks, cash, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted; Visa and MasterCard services are available.

The intradermal flu vaccine is injected into the skin instead of the muscle, using a much smaller needle and is as effective as the regular flu shot. The intradermal vaccine is preservative-free and has been approved by FDA for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age. Traditional flu vaccine will also be available.

The health department advises that certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu, including:

• People 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years old
• People with certain chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD, diabetes (both type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurological conditions, and certain other health conditions
• Pregnant women

Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk should also be vaccinated, including:

• Household members in frequent contact with persons at high risk
• Child care providers
• Health care workers

"We have not yet seen any influenza in the Flathead, so it's not too late to get your flu shot," says Jody White, RN, Community Health Director. "Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against influenza. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu."

For any additional information click here or follow the department on Facebook.