Flu season usually peaks in January and with at least two new strains of influenza being passed around this year, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention are recommending everyone get a flu shot as soon as possible.

Developed for the 2012-13 flu season, the vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses and is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection, according to the Macomb County Health Department.

Where can you get a flu shot?

The health department is currently offering a seasonal flu vaccine at its Mount Clemens, Warren and St. Clair Shores health centers.

The vaccine is $15 and payable with cash or check. Children under age 18 with no insurance coverage for flu vaccine can receive the shot for an administrative fee of $8.

Debit and credit cards are not accepted as payment, but the fees may be billed to Medicare Part B or Medicaid for residents enrolled in those programs. Medicare or Medicaid billing requires recipients to show their program ID card and a valid driver’s license or other form of photo identification. HAP Medicare clients must pay the fee or obtain the vaccine at their medical provider.

Clinic locations and hours are:

• Mount Clemens Health Center, 43525 Elizabeth Rd., Mount Clemens: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
• Southeast Health Center, 25401 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
• Southwest Health Center, 27690 Van Dyke Ave., Warren: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Flu shots are also available at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger, Target, Meijer and Kmart pharmacies. Check Patch's directory to find the location closest to you. 

More locations

Information for the seasonal flu vaccine may be found on the health department's website or by calling the flu hotline at 586-466-7923.

Flu levels on the rise nationwide

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. 

Five states – Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee – are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally peaks in January and February.

Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How flu spreads