MAYVILLE - The Chautauqua County Health Department is offering pediatric and adult inactivated influenza vaccine to area residents at several upcoming vaccination clinics.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, the following groups of individuals should receive annual flu vaccinations:

all persons who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others;

all children aged 6 months through 18 years;

all persons aged 50 years or older;

children and adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy;

women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;

adults and children who have long-term health problems;

adults and children who have immunosuppression;

residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;

health-care personnel;

healthy household contacts and caregivers of children less than 5 years of age, adults older than 50 years of age and persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

Pneumococcal vaccinations will also be given. Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia and is often recommended for individuals who are at high-risk for the flu.

Clinic attendees are asked to bring their insurance cards, immunization records and wear a short-sleeve top. The cost of the influenza vaccine will be $25. The pneumococcal vaccine is $40. Select insurance companies can be billed, including Medicare, but some individuals with private insurance will have to pay for their vaccinations and submit a receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement.

Influenza and pneumococcal shots will be available at the following Chautauqua County Health Department immunization clinic sites throughout the flu season:

Abbe Reformed Church, Clymer, from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month;

Dunkirk Health Department from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays;

Jamestown Health Department from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays;

Jamestown Health Department, 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays;

Mayville Health Department, 1 to 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month. Due to holidays, the Mayville clinic will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18;

First Baptist Church of Sherman from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month.

Individuals can better protect themselves and others from the virus by covering their nose and mouth with a tissue whenever they cough or sneeze; dispose of used tissues in the trash; and wash their hands with soap and hot water, or use a waterless hand cleanser after blowing their nose or coughing, using the bathroom, before and after eating and after being in contact with someone who is ill.

For more information, call the Chautauqua County Department of Health at (866) 604-6789.