Fresno County health department offering free flu shots this week

Fresno County Department of Public Health is offering free flu shots from 8-11:30 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at 1221 Fulton Mall.

No appointment is necessary.

Influenza season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May. It’s not too late to protect yourself and those you love with a flu vaccination if they have not already received one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.

A higher risk of complications from influenza illness, which could result in hospitalization or even death, occurs in some groups, such as young children; pregnant women; older adults; and people with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.

Children who received one dose of the influenza vaccine may still need the second dose this season to be fully protected. The second dose must be given at least 28 days after the first dose.

For more information about influenza, contact the Department of Public Health at (559) 600-3550 or visit the website.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Fresno County health department offering free flu shots this week."