Flu season is coming and the only way to be prepared is to get a flu shot.

According to the Prince George's County Health Department getting the "annual flu vaccination is the most effective method to prevent flu virus infection and its complications. It is important for everyone to receive a flu vaccination every year, as flu vaccinations only protect against that year's flu virus strains", it says on the department's website.

This fall, the Prince George's County Health Department is offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations to the general public at community clinics. However it's subject to vaccine availability and vaccine quantities on-hand.

The clinics are walk-in, so no appointments are necessary and both the FluMist intranasal, or nose spray, and flu shot are available. However, parents must accompany children under the age of 18.

The next is on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex at 8001 Sheriff Road in Landover.

There are also dates for free intranasal or FluMist vaccinations for school-aged children, where the families can also receive the vaccination for $26.99.

These clinics are walk-in as well and parents need to accompany their children. They are open throughout Oct. 19 to Nov. 18 at various locations and on various dates and are open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 | Clinton, MD 20735
Shoppers Food – Coventry Plaza | 6300 Coventry Way
 
Thursday, October 21, 2010 | Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Shoppers Food – Oxon Hill Plaza 
6111 Livingston Road
 
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 | District Heights, MD 20747
Shoppers Food – Penn Mar
2950 Donnell Drive
 
Thursday, October 28, 2010 | Largo, MD 20744
Shoppers Food – Largo Town Center
806 Largo Center Drive
 
Thursday, November 4, 2010 | Bowie, MD 20720
Shoppers Food and Pharmacy - Lanham Vista Gardens
10501 Martin Luther King Highway
 
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 | New Carrollton, MD 20784
Shoppers Food - The Shops at Carrollton
7790 Riverdale Road
 
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 | College Park, MD 20740
Shoppers Food - Market Place at College Park
4720 Cherry Hill Road
 
Thursday, November 18, 2010 | Brentwood, MD 20722
Shoppers Food - Port Town Shopping Center
3831 Bladensburg Road

Also stores like RiteAid, CVS and other pharmacies have flu shot vaccines available. However, they require an appointment and a pre-screening survey.