Barnes-Jewish Hospital and SSM Health will be offering free flu vaccinations this October in South County and in various locations across St. Louis and St. Louis County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to reduce chances of contracting influenza or spreading it to others is through an annual seasonal flu vaccination.

Flu shots, free of latex and preservatives, will be available from Barnes-Jewish for those ages 6 months and older. Vaccines will be administered in South County at the South County Siteman Cancer Center, 5225 Midamerica Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those 65 years and older are eligible to receive a high -dose vaccine from Barnes-Jewish, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton will administer flu shots for ages 9 and above on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fenton Conference Center, 1015 Bowles Ave.

Although the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination by the end of October if possible, other standard precautions being urged by the Department of Public Health are:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to maintain a distance of three feet between you and others.
• Stay home when you are sick or think you may be getting sick.

If you think you may have the flu, the CDC recommends that you contact your health care provider. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, tiredness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Those unable to attend one of these events are urged to visit the St. Louis County Department of Public Health’s flu website for information on alternative sites to receive the seasonal flu vaccination.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.