The village of Arlington Heights will be offering flu shots by appointment next week at the Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road.
Professionals will be giving the flu vaccine from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. Both residents and nonresidents are eligible.
The cost for the vaccine will be $20, and is billable to Medicare for those with Medicare Part B as their primary insurance. For children under 18 years of age, the cost is $10.
The village has a stock of more than 500 flu shots and will be receiving another shipment to take care of homebound residents, said Mary Sterrenberg, supervising nurse for the village.
"Influenza is highly contagious and can cause serious illness in the very young, those 65 and older, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions who may have weakened immune systems," Sterrenberg said. "The flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Even if you are not in a high risk category, you are protecting those who are by getting the shot."
The flu shot is not for everyone though, she added. Those with a life-threatening allergy to eggs or who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past should not get the shot, and those who are acutely ill should wait to get the vaccine, Sterrenberg said.
Appointments can be made by calling (847) 253-5532.
