With the holidays and the flu season at hand, the Visiting Nurse Association will offer a final week of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu shot clinics to help keep you and your family healthy during the holiday season and into the new year.

Seasonal influenza usually begins in November and continues into April. Over the past few years the peak level of influenza has occurred from late December through early March. A flu shot administered in December provides beneficial coverage during the peak flu season because immunity develops within two weeks of receiving the vaccine.

The VNA has a limited supply of seasonal flu mist, seasonal flu shots and H1N1 shots. Seasonal flu shots and flu mist cost $30 or presentation of a Medicare Part B card. H1N1 immunizations are free and are available to persons age 10 to 24, pregnant women, persons age 25-64 with a chronic health issue and health care workers.

The VNA is not able to vaccinate children under the age of 9 years for either seasonal or H1N1 flu.

The VNA's final flu shot clinics will be held: Monday, Dec. 7, 12-2 p.m., Visiting Nurse Association, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m., South Haven Public Library, 403 West 700 North, Valparaiso.

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Paul's Catholic Church Multipurpose Room, 1855 West Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso.

Thursday, Dec. 10, 9 - 11 a.m., Portage YMCA, 3100 Willowcreek, Portage.

Thursday, Dec. 10, 12 - 2 p.m., Visiting Nurse Association, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso.

Friday, Dec. 11, 5 - 7 p.m., Valparaiso High School West Lobby North Entrance, 2727 North Campbell, Valparaiso.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 - 10 a.m., Valparaiso YMCA, 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso.

Flu shots will be administered on a first come, first served basis at all locations.

Check the VNA website at www.vnaportercounty.org or call the VNA Flu Phone at 219-531-8088 for updates and additional information about VNA flu shot clinic sites.

Posted 12/4/2009