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Free flu shots available

10/2/2015, 8:30 p.m.
Get your flu shot now. That’s the message from officials at the Richmond City Health District.

Get your flu shot now.

That’s the message from officials at the Richmond City Health District.

Flu season begins in October and can continue as late as May, according to health district officials. It peaks in January and February.

Annual flu vaccinations are delivered with a shot or with nasal spray, officials said. Protection from the vaccine occurs within two weeks of vaccination and lasts throughout the flu season.

Vaccinations are recommended for anyone age 6 months old and older, and particularly for those at “high risk” of serious complications from seasonal flu. That includes adults age 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, particularly respiratory illness and those with compromised immune systems.

Other measures can help keep people from catching and spreading the flu or a cold:

• Wash your hands frequently

• Cover sneezes and coughs

• Do not go to school or work when you’re sick with flu-like symptoms and

• Get plenty of rest and eat healthy.