County Health Department Offering Free Flu Shots

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - As temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s tonight, the cold snap has many North Texans sniffling and sneezing. Health workers in Dallas County recommend residents use the freezing weather as a reminder to get their flu shots and they're offering incentives to do it.

To coincide with National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dallas County Health and Human Services is offering free flu shots through the flu season.

"This offer is one that should be hard to pass up," DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson said in a press release. "Parents should come and get the whole family vaccinated before the brunt of the flu season is upon us."

This year's flu vaccine is an all-in-one shot that offers protection against multiple flu strains including the H1N1 virus.

People with severe allergies to eggs or younger than six months old are the only ones for whom the flu vaccine is not recommended. Doctors say the vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity remains low across the country and minimal flu activity has been reported in Dallas County.

Free flu shots are available for both adults and children on the first floor of the DCHHS building at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas.

The adult only immunization clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The children's immunization clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday – and is open until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The flu vaccine is also available for both children and adults at the following clinic locations:

3312 N. Buckner Boulevard, Suite 200 in Dallas

1113 E. Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 200 in Dallas

8202 Spring Valley Road, Suite #200 in Dallas

440 South Nursery Road, in Irving

2774 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch.

Appointments aren't necessary. North Texas residents can call (214) 819-2162 or (214) 819-2163 for more information.