It's almost flu season. Will you be protected?

Health officials want to raise awareness about seasonal influenza shots, which will soon be available.

About 36,000 U.S. residents die each year from seasonal influenza and its complications, which can include pneumonia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. But this year, pandemic H1N1 influenza is spreading at the same time as seasonal influenza. But the two vaccines will be available at different times.

Only seasonal flu vaccine is ready now. Fees range from $25 to $50, with shots covered by Medicare Part B. Remember to bring your insurance or Medicare card.

Seasonal flu clinics include:

Monday, Sept. 21

• Employee dependents and community member appointments during normal business hours begin at Mayo Family Clinic Kasson, 411 W. Main St., Kasson, Call 634-4744 for appointment.

• Employee dependents and community member appointments during normal business hours begin at Mayo Family Clinic Northwest, Rochester, call 538-8500 for appointment.

• 8 a.m. to noon, Olmsted County Public Health, 2100 Campus Drive S.E., Rochester, 328-7500.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., K-Mart Pharmacy, 201 Ninth St. S.E., Rochester, 281-3532.

• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Olmsted County Public Health, 2100 Campus Drive S.E., Rochester, 328-7500.

Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday. Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, Mayo Clinic Gonda Building, 16th floor, walk-in clinic, 101 Third Ave. S.W., Rochester, 284-2511.

See the story for additional days and times: Post-Bulletin by Jeff Hansel

Tags: H1N1, Infectious Diseases, Influenza, Mayo Clinic Rochester