ATHENS, Ohio - Flu season is right around the corner. Persons at high risk of seriousillness from the flu, health-care workers who can spread the flu to patients or persons who livewith someone who is at high risk of illness from the flu need to be immunized against it assoon as possible.

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 22, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine'sCommunity Service Programs is providing high-risk influenza clinics for the people ofSoutheastern Ohio at sites throughout the area. Flu vaccinations will be available for persons65 years and older or those under 65 years old with one or more of the following healthproblems: heart, lung or kidney disease; asthma; diabetes; or anemia or other blood disorderssuch as sickle cell or thalassemia. Also persons with immune system problems caused bydisease or medical treatment, children between 6 months and 18 years old who are receivinglong-term aspirin therapy, health-care workers or persons living with someone at high riskare eligible for a flu shot.

A $6 donation is requested per vaccination, or if you bring your Medicare card, Medicarewill be billed. For more information, please call (800) 844-2654 or (740) 593-2432.

"Flu shots are one of the best preventive health-care measures we have available," saidKathy Trace, director of CSP. "Our vaccinations are very safe and enable the body to produceantibodies that fight flu viruses. For the individual, a flu-less season is a good season."

"We encourage people to attend these clinics, which will be well staffed and convenient.Free parking is available, and the locations offer easy access for the elderly and handicapped,"said Lynn Smith, nurse coordinator of CSP's immunization clinics.

The flu shot clinics will be held at time and locations listed below:

• Nelsonville - Tuesday, Oct. 22, Tri County Vocational School (cafeteria), 3 to 5 p.m.
• Coolville - Thursday, Oct. 24, Coolville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 9 a.m. to noon
• Glouster - Friday, Oct. 25, Trimble Township Lions Club, 9 a.m. to noon
• Athens - Monday, Oct. 28, Athens Community Recreation Center, East State Street, 9 a.m. to noon
• Lottridge - Tuesday, Oct. 29, Lottridge Community Center, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Athens - Wednesday, Oct. 30, University Osteopathic Medical Center, Parks Hall, 2nd Floor, 8 to 11 a.m.
• Athens - Thursday, Oct. 31, University Osteopathic Medical Center, Parks Hall, 2nd Floor, 8 to 11 a.m.

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