The flu season is officially here and the Department of Health has advised the public that flu vaccines will be available as of October 23 at a cost of $10 per person or child. Flu shots for seniors are free.

The Senior Medical Officer, Brenda Davidson, has reminded the public that having an annual flu shot, washing hands frequently, disposing of soiled tissues and avoiding crowded places are the best methods to reduce the chance of catching the flu. Dr. Davidson said people most at risk for developing complications of the flu include children aged six months to five years, elderly people over the age of 65, elderly residents of rest homes, young people six months to 18 years on aspirin therapy, individuals living in dormitories and crowded conditions and pregnant women who are in their second or third trimester during the flu season.

Individuals under a physician?s care for chronic health problems and children under the age of three must obtain written permission from their physicians before a flu shot will be administered.

The flu shots will be available at the Hamilton Health Centre Mondays to Fridays from 8.30 to 11.30 a.m., The St. George?s Health Centre on Mondays between 9 and 11 a.m. and the Somerset Health Centre on Wednesdays between 9 and 11 a.m.

Dr. Davidson said the flu vaccine is also available from most private physicians.