Andover Elementary/Middle School held its fourth annual school-based flu clinic on October 18. The clinic was very successful, immunizing 99 children in less than two hours. This accounts for 42% of our student population.

The parents of Andover have welcomed this clinic, as it gives children the opportunity to receive the vaccine without missing valuable class time. An additional benefit of a school-based clinic is the reduction of financial burden to families, due to lack of insurance, high co-payments, transportation expenses, and time off from work.

Now is the time to get your flu vaccine. By getting the vaccine, you can protect yourself and avoid spreading influenza to others.

While little flu activity has been reported to date, flu season usually begins in October and can run into May. Flu activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks to months. Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks for protection to develop after being vaccinated. Protection lasts for one year.

Additional information on the 2013-2014 flu season can be found at CDC.gov/flu.