Health department offering flu shots.

District Health Department is helping communities prepare for the 2015-2016 flu season by offering flu vaccines to children, families, and seniors. Flu season is unpredictable- even healthy people can become seriously ill.

The health department  has vaccine in stock and appointments are available for flu shots and other vaccines at its offices in Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, and Wexford counties. The health department has also scheduled adult walk-in flu clinics at the following Mason County locations:

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9 to 11 a.m.; 1 to 3 p.m., health department office, 916 Diana St., Ludington.

Tuesday, Oct. 6: 9 to 11 a.m., Scottville Area Senior Center, 140 S. Main St., Scottville.

Thursday, Oct. 8: 9 to 11 a.m.: Tallman Lake Senior Center, 6765 Marshall Rd., Sheridan Township.

Thursday, Oct. 8: 1 to 3 p.m.: Free Soil Community Center, 8480 N. Democrat St., Free Soil.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 to 11 a.m.: Ludington Senior Center, 308 S. Rowe St., Ludington.

Cost for seasonal flu vaccination is $36. High dose, Flumist, and preservative free flu shots are available for $40. Many health insurance plans now cover the cost of flu vaccines, however the health department may be able to help through Vaccines for Children (VFC) or other programs. DHD#10 will bill Medicare Part B, Medicare Health Plans, Medicaid, Medicaid Health Plans, Healthy MI Plans, Priority Health, BC/BC, Blue Care Network, McLaren and Consumers Mutual with an insurance card present at the time of appointment. It is important to be aware of your insurance benefit rules.

District Health Department #10’s Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Morse, encourages everyone 6 months and older to get their annual flu shot.

“Remember, everyone is at risk for seasonal influenza and everyone is at risk for serious complications, including death,” Morse said. ”Having the flu is just plain miserable so it makes sense to prevent getting sick. It takes about 2 weeks after your flu shot for antibodies to begin protecting you, so don’t wait, the time to get your flu shot is now.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call your local DHD#10 office at (231) 845-7381 or visit www.dhd10.org/flu-clinics.