Starting today, the Skagit County Health Department has a flu hotline at 419-3315 so residents can find out how to avoid becoming sick this flu season, who should get a shot and where they can get it.

The health department suggests vaccines for all children 6 months to 18 years old, people 50 and older, pregnant women, care providers, people with chronic illnesses and those who do not want to be sick with seasonal influenza.

Flu vaccines for adults are available at the Skagit County Health Department clinic at 700 S. Second St. in Mount Vernon starting today. Cost is $25. Vaccines for children should be available by mid-October.

The clinic is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday on a walk-in basis.

Shots will also be available 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at the Anacortes Senior Center. Public health nurses will also provide vaccines for pneumococcal and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis. Prices may vary.

The Safeway at 911 11th St. will have flu shot clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29. Call 293-4148 for availability of shots on other days. Cost is $30, though the store has had success billing insurance companies, and free for those with Medicare.

Walgreens at 909 17th St. is holding a clinic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16. Appointments are encouraged by calling 299-2816. Costs is $24.99, free to those with a Medicare part B card and insurance companies can also be billed.

Rite Aid Pharmacy at 1517 Commercial Ave. has flu clinics 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 and Nov. 19. Call 293-2119 to find out costs.

The Medicap Pharmacy of Anacortes at 1415 Commercial Ave., Ste. 8, will start taking appointments today for flu vaccines Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15. The cost is $30. The pharmacy can bill Medicare and Department of Social and Health Services.

Aubre Adams at the Island Hospital Resource Center also reminds people that flu shots are often available from their primary care physician.