Free flu shots today across Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at more than 55 parish health units on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The vaccine is available to anyone who has not received a vaccine this flu season.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention and the Louisiana Department of Health recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone over six months of age who does not have a complicating condition, such as a prior allergic reaction to the flu shot.

“Louisiana is experiencing a severe flu season and the flu strain we are seeing now is one that typically causes more severe illness, and results in higher hospitalization rates and deaths,” said Dr. Frank Welch, state immunization medical director. “In more severe seasons, the flu causes approximately 700 deaths and nearly 8,000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana. We are already on track to meet and possibly exceed these statistics for the 2017/18 flu season.”

Jeff Toms, region 8's administrator for the Office of Public Health said, "Some think this late in the year if they haven't already had it or they've already missed the opportunity. So it's just a pushed to really get the message out to let everyone know that it's still not too late to get vaccinated because we're still in the peak of the flu season."

Walk-ups are welcome and people are asked to wear short or loose-fitting sleeves. Also, bring your private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare card if you have one.

To find the clinic nearest to you, visit http://ldh.la.gov/NoCostFluVaccines.