St. Joseph providing flu shots at sites throughout the suburbs

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

Every year in the United States, on average: 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Help protect yourself from the flu by getting a flu shot.

Flu shots are administered 24 hours a day at Provena St. Joseph Hospital MedCare, 2250 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills.

• Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m.: Provena St. Joseph Hospital admitting booth/registration lobby, 77 N. Airlite St., Elgin.

• Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.: Lao Community Alliance, 120 N. Main St., South Elgin

• Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5-7 p.m.: Centro de Informacion, 28 N. Grove St. in Elgin.

• Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-noon.: Senior Fair at Elgin Community College Spartan Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

• Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1-3 p.m.: Fox Valley Flea Market, off Route 31 in Elgin

• Monday, Oct. 19, from 3-6 p.m.: St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road, Burlington.

• Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.: PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin.

• Monday, Oct. 26, from 7:30-9:30 a.m.: Provena Family Care, 12155 Regency Square Pkwy. in Huntley.

• Friday, Oct. 30, from 5-7 p.m.: Centro de Informacion, 90 N. Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville.

• Friday, Nov. 7 from 9-11 a.m.: Taylor YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin.

• Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ellis Middle School, 225 S. Liberty St. in Elgin.

This is a seasonal flu vaccine and not H1N1. Vaccines are $20. Cash, check or Medicare card. For information, visit www.provena.org/saintjoseph.