Freeborn County Public Health is offering free flu vaccinations for children.

Three clinics have been scheduled, with the first being held Monday afternoon at Crossroads Church.

Public Health Nurse Sue Yost said the children must be at least 6 months of age to receive a vaccination.

Children in preschool, early childhood education programs, Head Start programs, and public schools from kindergarten through high school seniors are eligible to receive the free vaccinations.

“We’re not checking to make sure they’re in a program of any kind,” Yost said. “Any child can come.”

Yost said the vaccinations cover three types of flu strains in one shot, including the seasonal and H1N1 viruses.

School staff members at all schools in Freeborn County are also eligible to receive free flu shots at the upcoming clinics.

“This includes volunteers, custodians, bus drivers, it can be anybody who works in the schools,” Yost said.

Uninsured and underinsured adults are also eligible to receive free vaccinations. Yost said adults wishing to receive free vaccinations will be asked a series of questions to determine which category they qualify for.

Yost also said those whose deductibles have not yet been met or whose insurance doesn’t cover immunizations may also qualify for the free shots.

Other adults may receive flu shots for $25 per person. Yost said in some cases, insurance may be billed, just to ask about the options.

Yost said the clinics were made possible thanks to federal stimulus funds.

“This is probably a one-time thing,” she said.

Your best shot

Freeborn County Public Health will offer free flu vaccines from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22; Thursday, Dec. 9 and Monday, Dec. 27 at Crossroads Church, located a half mile north of Hy-Vee, at 3402 Hoeger Lane, Albert Lea.