The Grant County Health Department has scheduled its public seasonal flu shot clinics for the 2013–14 season.

This year the vaccine includes both an H1N1 and H3N2 strain as well as a B/Massachusetts strain. The H3N2 and B strains are different from those in the 2012–13 influenza vaccine.

Vaccination is recommended for all persons 6 months or older unless there is a medical reason why vaccination is not recommended such as an allergy to one of the vaccine components. Children younger than 9 receiving seasonal flu vaccine for the first time and those not completing a series in the previous year may need a booster shot one month or more after the first shot to gain the highest level of protection.

The flu vaccine is $27, and the pneumonia vaccine is $70. Grant County Health Department has free flu vaccine available at these clinics for children on Medical Assistance/Badger Care or for children with no insurance coverage for influenza immunizations.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are now available at the Grant County Health Department, 111 S. Jefferson St. in Lancaster, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Additional clinics will be announced later in the season.
Early-season flu shot clinics will be at:

•    Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville, Thursday, Oct. 3, 17 and 31, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

•    Platteville United Methodist Church, 1065 Lancaster St., Monday, Oct. 14, 5–6 p.m.

•    Dickeyville new fire station, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6–6:30 p.m.

•    Platteville Senior Center, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.–noon.