Flu shot clinics planned for Marion Co.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) -  The Marion County Public Health Department  is holding 11 flu shot clinics from October 1st through November 13th, with the expectation that thousands of people will get vaccinated against what experts say are the three strains of flu now circulating.

Experts are unable to accurately predict the severity of the flu this season, but in 2009 when H1N1 appeared, seventeen thousand people died worldwide.

Melissa McMasters with the MCPHD says supplies of this year's vaccine are robust and no shortage is anticipated.

"We have lots of flu vaccine available, and that's across the country, so there should be no problem with anyone getting access to flu vaccine this year."

The vaccine can be used on babies 6 months of age and older.

 Anyone  with chronic lung problems, people over 65 and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.

"What's really more important to protect the babies, is to make sure mom is protected," says McMasters.

"By making sure mom gets her flu shot and her TDAP shot, during pregnancy both vaccines are safe and they're recommended during pregnancy."

If you get your flu shot through the Marion County Health Department it's 15 dollars for adults, children under the age of 2 are free.

Here is list of clinics that are planned in Marion County:

October 1 (Monday)                                                  October 2 (Tuesday)
Old Bethel United Methodist Church                          Southport Presbyterian Church
7995 E. 21 st Street                                                      7515 McFarland Boulevard
9 am. - 11 am.                                                             9 am.- 12 pm.

October 4 (Thursday)                                              October 5 (Friday)
South District Health Office                                       Northwest District Health Office
505 E. National                                                           6940 N. Michigan Road
2 pm. - 4 pm.                                                             9 am.- 11 am.

October 10 (Wednesday)                                     October 16 (Tuesday)
Jewish Community Center                                      Southport United Methodist Church
6701 Hoover Road                                                   1947 E. Southport Road
3 pm. - 6 pm.                                                            9 am .-12 pm.

October 16 (Tuesday)                                            October 25 (Thursday)
Northeast District Health Office                                Cathedral Kitchen
6042 E. 21 st Street                                                     1350 N. Pennsylvania
9 am. - 11 am.                                                            9 am. -11 am.
November 1 (Thursday)                                         

                                                                                    November 8 (Thursday)
Georgetown Office                                                  Chin Community Center
3972 Georgetown Road                                         2532 E. Stop 11 Road
9 am. - 11 am.                                                        9 am. -11 am.
November 13 (Tuesday)

Northeast District Health Office
6042 E. 21st Street
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

For more information, call the Flu Clinic Hotline at 317-221-2121.