The onset of autumn and cooler weather generally marks the beginning of the flu season.  As a preventive health measure, the Wayne County Department of Public Health is offering flu shots for residents at its clinics in Wayne, Taylor and the Redford area.

The flu season typically runs from November through April, but can start as early as October and end as late as May, according to the Wayne County Health Dept. Each year, the flu vaccine is specially formulated to protect against the types of flu viruses currently circulating annually worldwide, such as seasonal and H1N1 strains.

The flu is a mild to severe contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to serious complications in some individuals, including persons with chronic medical conditions and seniors, and can even result in death.

The cost of the flu vaccine is $15 for adults and $10 for qualifying children. Payment is by cash only. Medicaid will also be accepted.

Vaccines are offered for adults and children, six months of age and older, on walk-in days and by appointment. Public Health flu shot clinic hours are as follows:

Wayne Health Center

33030 Van Born Road (at Venoy), Wayne

734-727-7100

Walk- in Days: Monday and Thursday , 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointment only: Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Taylor Health Center

26650 Eureka Road (east of Inkster Road), Taylor

734-955-3900

Walk-in Days: Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointment only: Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Redford Area Health Office

17421 Telegraph Road, Detroit

313-537-1708

Appointment only: Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information concerning family flu vaccinations at Wayne County’s public health clinic locations, call the Wayne County Department of Public Health at (734) 727-7000.

For additional influenza and flu prevention facts, visit HERE.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary serving the greater Dearborn Community and will mark the occasion with a day-long open house at The Center on Thursday, October 20.

The Center will have free admittance all day to the swimming pools, gymnasiums and fitness area, beginning at 5:30 a.m. The day is hosted by the Recreation & Parks Department.

Starting at 6 p.m., representatives from the department’s many partnership organizations—including our youth sports and cultural arts groups—will be available in the lobby area to answer questions and pass out information concerning their specific organization.

From 6-8 p.m. the Open House will feature organized activities—such as soccer clinics, basketball tournaments, climbing wall races, a Zumba jam session, and an open video taping with 50 Amp Fuse in the theater—along with t-shirt giveaways, drawings for iPods and light refreshments.

In addition, the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department will unveil it new logo.

For further information, call 943-2350.