Believe it or not, flu season will soon be upon us.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has received its first 2,000 doses of influenza vaccine which have been delivered to the Dale and Houston county health departments since those counties have already been experiencing influenza disease activity.

In Crenshaw County, flu vaccines will be given from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 25, at the Tom Harbin Farm Center, according to Pam Williams, R.N., Pandemic Influenza Coordinator.

&#8220The cost will be $5 per vaccine,” Williams said.

However, individuals who have Medicare Part A and B or Medicaid can receive free vaccines. They must present their Medicare or Medicaid cards before receiving their vaccinations.

Williams said that those who would be considered high risk for catching the flu include infants from six to 23 months old and people 65 and older.

&#8220Also, anyone with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, those taking chemotherapy, or anyone who has an auto-immune disorder is highly susceptible to catching the flu,” she added.

Williams also said that there should be plenty of vaccines available for those wishing to get it.

The flu clinic will provide shots only; no flu mists will be given.

The next flu vaccine clinic will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 1, at the Crenshaw County Health Department, located at 100 East 4th Street, directly behind the Crenshaw County Courthouse.

The typical time frame for the flu season runs from November until March.

Fourteen cases of early-season influenza have been confirmed in Dale County. In addition, three laboratory-confirmed positive influenza B/Shanghai cases from Houston County are under further investigation. In August, one case of influenza B/Hong Kong was confirmed in Mobile County.