Greenfield Flu Vaccination Clinic for School-Aged Children is Wednesday

The is preparing for the upcoming influenza season by focusing its efforts on vaccinating children under 18, individuals over 65, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Those three groups are most susceptible for influenza, and strongly recommended to receive the vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Though influenza vaccination is most important for individuals in high risk groups, the vaccination is important for everyone,” said Darren Rausch, Health Officer/Director for the Greenfield Health Department, in a statement. "Receiving the influenza vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against influenza."

The Greenfield Health Department will hold a walk-in influenza vaccination clinic from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, for school-aged children at . The fee is $10 for children.

Additional influenza vaccination clinics are scheduled during November and December, with vaccine available for both children and adults. The adult vaccination fee is $25.

Influenza is a seasonal, respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, cough and muscle aches. Most people recover within a week although influenza can last longer causing life-threatening complications in children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Annual vaccination significantly reduces the risk of complications due to influenza and helps prevent many people from becoming ill due to the virus, according to Rausch.

The best time to receive an influenza vaccine is during the months of October or November, according to Rausch. The influenza vaccination is encouraged throughout the fall and winter months because the influenza season peaks in February.