DES PLAINES – With flu season fast approaching, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging residents to protect themselves from illness by getting their annual flu shot at a pop-up clinic next week.

Murphy has partnered with AMITA Health and the Des Plaines Park District to offer free flu shots Friday, Oct. 8 from 9-11 a.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“Our health care facilities are still overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and hospital beds are limited—that means it’s all the more important to protect yourself this flu season,” Murphy said. “Getting your annual flu shot is the quickest and easiest way to prevent a bad case of the flu.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that millions of people get seasonal flu every year. For most people, the flu is mild, but it can be very serious and even cause death. Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get an annual flu shot to protect themselves and others from influenza.

Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so interested residents are asked to pre-register online at AMITAHealth.org/PrairieLakesFluClinic or by calling 855-692-6482.

For residents with Medicare Part B, the cost will be covered with presentation of a Medicare card. All other patients, including those with insurance, should bring a valid ID and can fill out a fee waiver on site to get their flu shot at no cost.