LEWISTON – Low-income residents can get free flu shots next week, thanks to a cooperative program between the city and both area hospitals.

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center are sponsoring a flu clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center.

Mayor Larry Gilbert said it’s the first step in an effort to create a community health committee.

“We are blessed to have two first rate hospitals in our community and they should be commended for joining forces,” Gilbert said.

The clinic will be open to low-income residents and those without health insurance.

Organizers are recommending that Lewiston’s Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau act as liaison between both hospitals and both cities.

They urge the cities to create a committee to coordinate planning and programs, and the cities would become the main distribution point for getting information out to the public.

The Twin Cities have no single way to distribute information about public health issues, such as planning for pandemic outbreaks or health education. The two hospitals handle some functions, such as setting up flu shot clinics, and area nonprofits handle others.

The committee will present the plan to both city councils early in 2008.