The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to get vaccinated in the fall, health professionals say. \nEach year, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population becomes infected with the flu. Of these, more than 200,000 are hospitalized for complications, and approximately 36,000 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\nCertain populations are more susceptible to the flu, such as students living in dorms, health care workers and young children. And some people, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with certain chronic health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. \nOctober or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years, according to Bloomington Hospital's Web site. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.\nIn Bloomington, there are a number of community resources available for those who want or need to get vaccinated.
• Clinical Mobility flu shot clinic at the College Mall\nWhere: 2894 E. Third St.\nTelephone: 339-3054\nCost: Flu vaccine: $20. Accepts some Medicare patients; others have to pay with cash or check.\nWhen: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. \nMore Information: Shots provided on a walk-in basis. Patients must be 4 years or older.\n \n• Monroe County Public Health Clinic\nBloomington Hospital Community Health Services\nWhere: 333 E. Miller Drive\nTelephone: 353-2901\nCost: Flu vaccine: $20 (though enrolled CHAP clinic patients will not be charged). Will bill Medicare and Medicaid but does not bill insurance. \nWhen: Flu shot clinic open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. \nMore Information: Appointments preferred, though some walk-ins might be accommodated during flu shot clinic hours. Patients of any age are accepted, though shots are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. \n \n• Promptcare East\nWhere: 326 S. Woodcrest Drive\nTelephone: 353-6888\nCost: Flu vaccine: $20. Will bill insurance. \nWhen: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. \nMore Information: Vaccinations available on a walk-in basis. Patients of any age accepted, though shots are not recommended for infants under 6 months.\n \n• Promptcare West\nWhere: 3443 W. Third St.\nTelephone: 353-3443\nCost: Flu vaccine: $20. Will bill insurance. \nWhen: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. \nMore Information: Vaccinations available on a walk-in basis. Patients of any age accepted, though shots are not recommended for infants under 6 months.
• IU Health Center\nWhere: 600 N. Jordan Ave.\nTelephone: 855-7688\nCost: Flu vaccine: $23 for students who have paid the health fee, $28 for employees and students who have not paid the health fee.\nWhen: Available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
For other dates, times and locations of flu shots around campus, visit www.indiana.edu/~health/hot/flulocations.shtml.
