Reduce your chances of contracting the flu this winter with a quick and easy flu shot. Grace Cottage Family Health will be offering a flu shot clinic on Saturday, January 23rd, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. No advance appointment is needed; walk-ins are welcome. Flu shots are also available weekdays by appointment--call 802-365-4331.

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chance that you will get the flu and that you will spread it to others. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. People over age 65 or those with any chronic disease, such as diabetes or asthma, have a higher risk of contracting the flu and are especially urged to get the shot. The flu shot cannot be given to anyone with an allergy to eggs. Those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome should consult with a physician before getting a flu shot.

Grace Cottage will be administering the quad flu shot, which protects against four strains of the flu virus. The cost should be covered by insurance. For adult patients who do not have insurance, the cost is $71.22. For children (age 18 and under) without insurance, the cost is $21.22 (the shot itself is free, but an administration fee is required). Grace Cottage Family Health is located at 185 Grafton Road (Route 35), Townshend.

For more information about flu shots or the flu in general, visit the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov), the Vermont Department of Health website (www.healthvermont.gov), or call the Vermont helpline at 2-1-1.