Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) recently offered free influenza vaccines to Licking County infants and children.  To comply with COVID-19 guidelines, an additional day was added and registration was required.  More than 450 youth, up to the age of 18, attended the “Be Wise … Immunize” clinics at the Licking Memorial Family Practice – Downtown Newark and the Licking Memorial Pediatrics – Pataskala.  Staff members from Licking Memorial Pediatrics administered the vaccines after consulting with the children’s parents.
 
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, this fall and winter is more important than ever.  Everyone, 6 months of age and older, should receive a flu vaccine every season.  Influenza activity often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February.  Flu shots generally are covered by insurance and therefore provided at no cost to patients.  For more information, contact your primary care physician.