FARMINGTON – The Healthy Community Coalition has scheduled additional flu clinic sites and dates into December in observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week.

Starting Monday, Nov. 26, and continuing through Friday, Dec. 13, the coalition staff will be at a public place ready to administer the flu shots. The mobile health unit is scheduled to go out to all sites, but in the event of poor driving conditions or mechanical issues, flu shots will be given inside the listed facility.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nov. 26 through Dec. 2 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, which promotes greater use of the vaccine through November, December and beyond.

Vaccination even after December can still be beneficial. Immunity builds over the initial two weeks after receiving the flu shot and slowly decreases after that.

Alex Freeman, Franklin Memorial Hospital patient advocate and supervisor of Self-Pay, or Tammy Rose, patient advocate and manager of patient registration and switchboard, will be available to answer questions about hospital bills. Anyone wanting the confidential service is asked to bring their bill with them.

Before going to the coalition’s flu shot clinics, it is recommended that people contact their primary care provider. Most insurance companies cover the flu shot. Also ask about the need for the pneumonia vaccination, which would be provided at a doctor’s office.

Influenza is a highly infectious disease of the lungs and can lead to pneumonia. Typical symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

Due to the cost of the vaccine, there is a suggested donation of $20. However, the flu shot can be provided for free, if needed, or by donating what a person can afford. Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cannot be accepted.

Flu shots will be provided to those individuals 18 years old and older. Those who are under 18 are recommended to see their primary care medical provider.

The shots will be given at the following locations:

Livermore Falls: Monday, Nov. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m., Fitness Stylz.

Jay: Monday, Nov. 26, from noon to 2 p.m., Otis Credit Union.

Vienna: Thursday, Nov. 29, from 9 to 11 a.m., Vienna Post Office.

New Sharon: Thursday, Nov. 29, from noon to 2 p.m., Imelda’s.

Eustis: Friday, Nov. 30, from 9 to 11 a.m., Town Office.

Rangeley: Friday, Nov. 30, from noon to 2 p.m., Rangeley Library.

Strong: Monday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m., Forster Memorial Building.

Phillips: Monday, De.c 3, from noon to 2 p.m., Camden National Bank.

Carthage: Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m., Town Office.

Weld: Tuesday, Dec. 4, from noon to 2 p.m., Town Office.

Farmington: Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Wilton: Thursday, Dec. 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., Firehouse Video.

New Vineyard: Friday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m., Smith Hall.

Kingfield: Friday, Dec. 7, from noon to 2 p.m., Camden National Bank.

Canton: Monday, Dec. 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Municipal Building.

Livermore: Monday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Carriage House.

East Dixfield: Monday, Dec. 10, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Fire Station.

Industry: Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 8 to 10 a.m., Ugly Moose.

Mt. Vernon: Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Community Center.

Fayette: Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., Starling Grange.

Livermore Falls: Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., FMH Out-Patient Services.

For more information, call the Greater Franklin County flu hotline at 779-3147, the Healthy Community Coalition at 645-3136 or 1-800-525-3136.