Time to Get Your Flu Shot is Now

Have you had your annual flu vaccination yet?

Flu shots used to be just for senior citizens, as well as

younger people with underlying medical conditions.

These days, however, they are recommended for everyone and are more available than ever.

The best place to get a flu vaccination is your own physician. Some useful alternatives are local pharmacies, as well as your local health department.

We thought about that today when we were contacted by Bansari Patel of the Immunization Project of EverThrive Illinois (formerly the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition), who reminded us that the Chicago Department of Public Health and Alderman Edward M. Burke's 14th Ward Office will be hosting a flu shot clinic from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00

p.m. Friday, November 15 at the Polish Highlanders Hall, 4808 South Archer.

Shots are delivered at no charge, although if you are enrolled in Medicare, please bring your Medicare Part D card with you.

If you miss Friday's event, CDPH will offer shots at several Southwest Side sites next month, including 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14 at the 15th Ward Office, 3045 West 63rd Street; and noon to 5:00 p.m. that same day at Ford City Mall.

If you work in the Loop, shots will be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 13 in the second floor lobby of City Hall.

The time to get your flu shot is now. Don't wait until flu season hits in January or February. After you receive your shot, it will take your body a couple of weeks to build up antibodies. So do it now, for your sake and everyone you come into contact with.

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