Flu-related complications kill 36,000 people (mostly elderly) annually in the United States, so consider it good insurance to get a vaccination.

A yearly vaccination is required because virus strains change fast. The current vaccine is based on these changes.

Starting Oct. 25, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will offer flu shots to all members of the public. The following is a list of when those clinics will take place:

¢ 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25, Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St.

¢ 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 27, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, 200 Maine.

¢ 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 29, local health department.

¢ 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Nov. 1, First United Methodist Church in Lecompton.

¢ 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Nov. 2, Eudora City Hall.

¢ 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Holcom Recreational Center, 2700 W. 27th St.

¢ 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3, local health department.