Charlotte, NC – The Mecklenburg County Health Department has announced its 2006 flu shot clinic locations offering County residents protection from seasonal influenza.

"The single most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall," says Dr. Stephen Keener, Medical Director for the Health Department. "This will not only protect you, but your loved ones and your community, as well."

The Mecklenburg County Health Department has scheduled a number of flu shot clinics across the county throughout October and November to give residents a choice of options for protecting themselves.

Cost for the vaccine is $25 and can be paid for using cash, check or charge.

The schedule:

• Saturday, October 14, Eastland Mall, 5471 Central Ave., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 18, Freedom Mall, 3205 Freedom Dr., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 24, Health Department, 2845 Beatties Ford Rd., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  
  
• Senior Vaccination Sunday: November 12, Eastland Mall,
  5471 Central Ave., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• Wednesday, November 15, Freedom Mall, 3205 Freedom Drive, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 29, Health Department, 2845 Beatties Ford Rd., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Health Department expects to have an adequate supply of vaccine to meet the needs of Mecklenburg County residents. But remember, the Health Department is only one of numerous providers across the community offering flu shots. Private physicians along with many drug and grocery stores will have a wide variety of dates and times from which to choose.

To see a list of these options and for more information on protecting yourself from seasonal influenza, visit  Fluwatch . You can also get regular updates in English and Spanish from our Flu Clinic Information Hotline by calling 704-336-4667.

However, the flu vaccine is not the only answer to staying healthy during the fall and winter months. Good health habits are essential and can help limit a person's susceptibility to colds and flu. Important but simple tips for staying well include:

Wash your hands. Cleaning your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid close contact. Stay away from people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent them from becoming ill.

Cover your mouth and nose. Cover both with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. This may prevent others from catching your illness.

Stay home if you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, or errands when you are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

For healthy people, influenza is usually not that dangerous. However, when flu hits people over 65 or those who have other medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, serious complications such as pneumonia can occur. Also included in this high-risk group are pregnant women and very young children. That is why the Centers for Disease Control encourages anyone in this high-risk category get vaccinated early in the season.

The very best time for a flu shot is during the months of October or November but you can still get vaccinated in December or later. Flu season generally peaks anywhere from very late January until early spring.