Flu vaccinations available at fire hall

The Deschutes County Health Department will offer vaccinations for flu and pneumococcal disease October 6 at Sisters Fire Hall between 1:30 and 4 p.m.

Tetanus boosters for adults will also be available. Flu, or influenza, immunizations will cost $10; pneumococcal disease $17; and tetanus $10.

The best time to receive the influenza vaccine is between September and December, according to the health department. A new shot is needed each year. Flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. The flu shot is a "killed virus" vaccine; a person cannot get influenza from the vaccine itself.

Flu vaccine is recom- mended for those at risk of contracting a serious case of influenza or its complications, and for people in close contact with the virus.

Those who should get shots include everyone 65 years of age or older; residents of long-term care facilities; and persons with chronic medical conditions.

Anyone who has a serious long-term health problem with heart disease; asthma; anemia and other blood disorders; kidney diseas; or metabolic disease, such as diabetes, should also get a flu shot.

Other indications include those whose immune system is weakened because of HIV/ AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system; long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids; cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs; or lung disease.