FARMINGTON — Flu shots are now available from the Healthy Community Coalition.

Healthy Community Coalition staff is available to administer the influenza vaccine (flu shot) at several sites throughout the community.

Nov. 12 New Sharon at Imelda's Fabric & Designs, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Nov. 20 Rangeley Library, from 10 a.m.-noon. AND Eustis Town Office 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 21 Salem Economic Ministry, noon to 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 Jay Otis Credit Union, 9 to 10 a.m., New Vineyard at My Wife's Place from noon to 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 Kingfield at Camden National Bank, 9 to 11 a.m., Vienna Post Office 1 to 3 p.m.

Dec. 5 Livermore Town Office from 9 to 10 a.m. and Livermore Falls FMH Outpatient Services from 11 a.m. to noon.

Dec. 9 Weld Town Office from 10 to 11 a.m. and Carthage Town Office from noon to 1 p.m.

Dec. 16 Wilton at Key Bank from 9 to 11 a.m.

Dec. 19 Strong at the White Elephant from 9 to 11 a.m. and Phillips at Camden National Bank from noon to 2 p.m.

Dec. 29 Carrabassett Valley at Sugarloaf Comp Center, 10 a.m. to noon.

It is recommended that you first contact your primary care provider to receive your flu shot from them. Most insurance companies cover the cost of receiving the shot in your primary care provider's office. While there ask about the need for the pneumonia vaccination, which could be provided by your doctor's office and not offered by Healthy Community Coalition.

Influenza ("the flu") is a highly infectious disease of the lungs that can lead to pneumonia. The best time to be vaccinated against influenza is October thru Dec., although vaccination after Dec. will still be beneficial.

Due to the cost of the vaccine, there is a suggested donation of $20 at Healthy Community Coalition clinics (or by donating what you can afford).

Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cannot be accepted. The Healthy Community Coalition purchases all vaccine used for the mobile health unit clinics and appreciates donations to help cover costs.

Flu shots will be provided to those individuals 18 years old and older. Those who are under 18 are recommended to see their primary care medical provider.

For more information, contact the Healthy Community Coalition at 645-3136 or 1-800-525-3136.

Franklin Community Health Network is also reminding residents to call its flu hotline for updates about flu prevention, local flu vaccine availability, and public flu shot clinics. The hotline number is 779-3147.