City to host series of free flu clinics

The Chicago Department of Public Health plans to hold a series of flu clinics to mark Vaccinate Illinois Week and encourage residents to get immunized over the next week.

Starting Saturday, the city will host three flu clinics where residents can get flu shots at no cost, according to a statement from the health department. They will be held:

—Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in at the 19th Ward office, 10402 S. Western Ave.;

—Thursday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the second-floor lobby of City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.; and

—Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 15th Ward office, 3045 W. 63rd St.

“It’s not too late to get a flu shot,” CDPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Julie Morita said in the statement. “Flu season typically peaks in January and February. Get vaccinated now to protect yourself and others from illness.”

Public health officials recommend everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot and caution that pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to complications from the flu.

Vaccinate Illinois Week, Dec. 7-13, is a statewide initiative among multiple health agencies to educate the public about the importance of getting a flu vaccine, according to the health department.