Seasonal flu shots available

Seasonal flu shots are available at the Spokane Regional Health District’s public health clinic, which received its first shipment of vaccine last week.

The flu, caused by a contagious virus, can cause mild to severe illness. Last flu season, 138 people were hospitalized with the flu in Spokane County, according to a news release from the health district.

Among other viruses, this season’s flu vaccine covers a strain of the H3N2 virus, said Kim Papich, a spokeswoman for the health district. But it doesn’t cover the strain that’s been infecting people elsewhere in the country who caught it from pigs, many at fairs. There’s no vaccine for that strain, she said.

The public clinic charges $27 for a shot for children and adults, but the charge for children may be reduced depending on their family’s size and income, the news release said.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot. The sooner the better, advised the health district, because flu seasons can begin as early as October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop an immune response.

The public clinic also offers high-dose vaccine for those 65 and older for $47.

Call (509) 324-1600 to make an appointment at the clinic, 1101 W. College Ave.

Flu shots also are offered by many local medical offices, pharmacies and grocery stores.