The Covington County Health Department will host a seasonal flu clinic on Tues., Oct. 19.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cost is $5 for the shot and those with Medicare, Medicaid or Blue Cross/Blue Shield need to bring their cards and charges will be billed to the appropriate agency.

Anyone over 6 months old is encouraged to receive the vaccination during the clinic.

This year’s vaccine contains the A California strain from last year’s H1N1 virus along with the A Perth and A Brisbane strains of influenza, so patients only need one vaccination.

Clinic Nursing Coordinator Cindy McAlpin previously said she encourages everyone to receive the vaccine in order to help protect themselves and their families.

With temperatures changing, flu season is on the horizon.

“Flu season typically runs November through May, but the flu vaccine will now protect folks for longer than it was once thought,” McAlpin said. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.”

McAlpin said it is very important for those who are in the high-risk group to get the vaccine, especially pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung diseases.

In addition, health care workers, other people who live or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to these people should receive it.

Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. Their caretakers should receive the vaccination.