Editor’s note: The following is a press release issued by the Will County Health Department.

The Will County Health Department is teaming with Joliet’s Senior Services Center of Will County to offer seven adult only flu immunization clinics for the 2012-2013 influenza season.

The two community agencies have been collaborating to provide walk-in clinics designed specifically for persons 18 years and older for more than 35 years. The 2012-2013 series will consist of seven clinics scheduled from Monday, Sept. 17, through Thursday, Oct. 4.

The 2012-2013 series opens with a clinic in Wilmington. Immunization sites are also scheduled for Joliet, Lockport, New Lenox, Shorewood, Monee, and Romeoville. A shot will cost $30 and will provide immunity against three virus strains expected to circulate during the 2012-2013 flu season.

Medicare part B and Medicaid are accepted. Individuals with HMO coverage must go to their primary care physician for HMO to cover vaccine costs. Pregnant women need a letter from their OB-GYN physician.

The seasonal influenza is a contagious upper respiratory infection capable of causing widespread illness during fall and winter months. Influenza complications kill an average of 36,000 Americans annually and are responsible for 200,000 hospitalizations a year.

Common flu symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, cough and sore throat. The virus is transmitted from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

For more information about flu symptoms, transmission, disease complications and prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

For a prerecorded list of 2012 adult only flu clinics, telephone 815-740-7632.

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