BRUNSWICK — Over the next three months, CHANS Home Health & Hospice will provide more than 50 public flu shot clinics throughout the Midcoast region. Available free of charge to anyone in the community over six months of age, the vaccinations help to prevent the spread of seasonal influenza.

The fall 2017 clinic schedule is available at www.midcoasthealth.com/flu. Flu vaccinations are also offered every Friday beginning September 15 through November 17, 9 a.m. to noon at Mid Coast Senior Health Center, 58 Baribeau Drive in Brunswick.

Many people die from complications of infection with seasonal flu, and even more require hospitalization. Mid Coast–Parkview Health encourages as many people as possible to get vaccinated. Last year, CHANS nurses provided more than 5,000 free vaccinations to community members, helping to keep them safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe complications from illness, and for persons who are in close contact with those at higher risk. High-risk groups include adults over 65, children younger than 5, and pregnant women.

For more information about CHANS or the upcoming flu vaccination clinics, call CHANS Home Health & Hospice at (207) 729-6782.