BROOKINGS – To help vaccinate rural populations, Brookings Health System will again hold influenza vaccination clinics in Arlington and Volga. 

Arlington Medical Center will hold a flu shot clinic from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the clinic. Walk-ins are welcome and shots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Questions can be directed to 605-983-3283.

Volga Medical Clinic will hold a flu shot clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the clinic. Patients are asked to make an appointment by calling 605-627-5701. 

Attendees of the clinics are asked to bring their insurance information so insurance may be processed. Medicare-eligible patients who receive the flu shot will have no out-of-pocket costs. Vaccination cost is $30 for individuals wishing to pay out-of-pocket.

October 1 through March 31 is considered flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The CDC recommends everyone who is at least 6 months of age receive an annual influenza vaccination. It is especially recommended for individuals who have a high risk of developing serious complications, like pneumonia, if they become sick with the flu. This includes pregnant women, people age 65 and older and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease.

More information about influenza can be found online at brookingshealth.org/Influenza.