The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is offering seasonal flu vaccines for anyone 6 months of age and older.

No one will be turned away for the inability to pay the suggested fee.

The flu vaccination will be offered at a suggested administrative cost of $10 per child (6 months through 18 years) and $27 suggested fee per adult (19 years and older). Suggested payment may be made in cash or check.

This year the flu vaccine will offer protection against three strains A/California/7/2009 (H1N1pdm09)- like virus, A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus and B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage) or four strains which will contain the previous listed strains and B/Brisbane/60/2008- like(B/Victoria lineage) virus component.

"The flu virus can be spread 24 hours before a person is aware that they are ill," said Dr. John Walker, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer. "Get the flu vaccine to protect others and those you love. This year should be a better match of the vaccine with the circulating virus."

A Ceres flu shot clinic will be held at the Ceres Unified School District property at the Sixth and Lawrence streets from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Another local clinic will be offered at El Rematito Flea Market, 3113 Crows Landing Road, Ceres, from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Nov. 8. Flu shots will be offered at the WIC Office, 251 E. Hackett Road, Ceres, from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 12. A clinic will be offered in south Modesto at the Seventh Street Flea Market, 1107 S. 7th Street, from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Nov. 15. A clinic will be offered at Walter White Elementary School from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The final clinic of the season will be offered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Argus High School's multi-purpose room, 2503 Lawrence Street, Ceres.

In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials recommend everyone help prevent the spread of the influenza virus by: washing their hands often with soap or water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching their nose, eyes, and mouth; cover their mouth with a sleeve or tissue when they cough or sneeze; and if sick stay home for work or school.

For individuals considered the most vulnerable to complications from the influenza virus, such as those over 65 years of age, those with chronic medical conditions, and children under one year, immediate treatment is optimal.

The clinic is located at 820 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Clinic hours are: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for the walk-in clinic; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment Wednesdays and Fridays.

Seasonal flu information can be found by calling the flu information line at 558-8872.