Nothing heralds the start of cold weather like a little sniffle or a sneeze.

We’ve all heard plenty of that lately, as well as the phone ringing with the news that one more employee has been felled with the flu.

Fortunately, there is something you can do about it at the Graham County Health Department. Flu shots for children and adults are available. The Graham County Health Department has received a supply of flu vaccine for adults (age 18 and above).

Due to an increase in pricing for the flu vaccine, residents will be charged $20, payable by cash or check. The Health Department is no longer able to accept Medicare or other insurance coverage in lieu of the fee. The shots will be given at the Health Department building at 826 W. Main St. in Safford. Free flu vaccine for children is also available at the Graham County Health Department, 826 W. Main St., Safford. For more information call 428-0110 or 428-1962.

According to the Center for Disease Control, influenza is a serious disease that causes 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States. Most of the flu deaths occur in people 65 and older. That is why the CDC encourages people to get the shot as soon as it becomes available in local communities.

“Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest,” according to the CDC Web site, www.cdc.gov.

The flu season can begin as early as October and continue through May, and people can get flu shots at any time during that period.

Save yourself time and money (as well as some very uncomfortable feelings) by calling about a flu shot today.