The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is encouraging area businesses to schedule on-site flu clinics, to help improve health and reduce employee absenteeism and lost productivity.

Businesses, churches, day care centers and other groups that have 20 or more people interested in getting this season’s flu vaccine may contact Jaclyn Gifford, at 843-3060, to schedule a flu clinic.

Department officials say that more than 36,000 people die each year from complications of seasonal flu. The flu poses severe risks to the sick, young children and the elderly.