LEWISTON – Although many national media are reporting that flu vaccines are in short supply, Community Clinical Services will be able to host a public flu shot clinic Wednesday on the campus of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are over 65 years old. However, small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

Who should have a flu shot?

• Persons at high risk of complications from flu.

• Health care workers.

• Household members of high-risk individuals.

• Healthy persons, 50-64.

• Others who wish to decrease their risk of flu infection.

Those who have allergic reactions to eggs or have other rare allergies should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician.

The clinic, from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Lepage Conference Center, will be on a first-come, first-served basis, at a cost of $10 per shot. In some instances, insurance companies can be billed.

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