Members of the Erie County Legislature’s Majority Caucus are partnering with local Rite-Aid Pharmacy locations to offer Community Flu Clinics to residents who wish to vaccinate against influenza. Each year, the County Department of Health advises residents to get a flu vaccine. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

“Together with Rite-Aid, Legislators have scheduled flu clinics throughout the community to make it as convenient as possible for residents who wish to protect themselves against the flu this year. Medical professionals encourage most residents to get the vaccination annually,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon, Chairwoman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.

The clinics are for adults, age 18 and older, and attendees are asked to bring their insurance card. Most insurance plans cover the vaccination in full.

Community Flu Clinics will be held on the following dates:

• Legislator Lynne Dixon, the clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Blasdell Village Farmers Market, 4271 Lake Ave., Blasdell. For additional information, please contact Legislator Dixon at 858-8671 or lynne.dixon@erie.gov.

• Hosted by Legislator Edward Rath, the clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26 at Clarence Town Hall, 1 Town Place, Clarence. For additional information, please contact Legislator Rath at 858-8676 or email edward.rath@erie.gov.

• Hosted by Legislator Joseph Lorigo, the clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the West Seneca Library, 1300 Union Rd. West Seneca. For additional information, please contact Legislator Lorigo at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.

• Legislator Ted Morton, the clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Alden Farmers Market, Tractor Supply and Save-a-Lot in the Alden Village Plaza at 13119 Broadway. For additional information, please contact Legislator Morton at 858-8856 or email ted.morton@erie.gov. Cancelled due to weather

• Hosted by Legislator Kevin Hardwick, the clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Viet Nam Veterans of American Chapter 77, 57 Main St., City of Tonawanda. For additional information, please contact Legislator Hardwick at 858-8672 or email kevin.hardwick@erie.gov.

For additional information, please visit Erie County’s Department of Health’s website at www.erie.gov/health and search under “Health Topics” for Influenza (Flu) Information.