If your children have not been vaccinated against the flu yet, they can now get immunized for free. The Frederick County Health Department is holding two clinics at its headquarters at 350 Montevue Lane on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM both days.

But Deputy Health Officer Dr. Jacqueline Douge says it's only for children between the ages of 6-months and 17 years of age. "Children as well as the elderly population tend to have higher risk of developing the flu, and some of the side-effects from the flu," she says.

Health officials say  the flu season, which normally starts in January and February, actually began in October, which is earlier than it normally does. There have been reports about patients filling up doctors' offices and hospitals complaining of flu-like symptoms. Dr. Douge says influenza is making its presence known in Frederick County as well. "{Frederick Memorial} Hospital is seeing an increased number of patients with flu-like illness, influenza-like illness. So it is here," she says.

Experts in the health field say it's not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself. There have also been reports nationwide of communities being completely out of vaccine, or running low. But Dr. Douge says it is available in Frederick County. "We've spoken with a few of the local pharmacies to gauge the availability, and flu vaccine is available in the community," says Dr. Douge.

After you get your flu shot, Dr. Douge says you need to take precautions to keep from getting influenza. They include staying home from school or work if you're sick, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue,  and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or hand sanitizer,