Want to avoid the flu? Mark your calendars.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department announced Friday its schedule for providing flu shots to the community.

Getting the annual vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu. The department recommends not waiting until the flu is here, but getting immunized as soon as possible. Flu season typically peaks in January and February, with the shot taking about two weeks to become effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children, ages 6 months to 18 years, and any others who want to lessen their chance of getting the flu, get vaccinated.

The flu shot is $20 for children ages 6 months to 35 months, and $25 for those 3 years old and older. Clients eligible for Medicare Part B, HealthWave, Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield can receive the flu shot at no charge if they bring their card to a clinic.

Here’s the department’s schedule:

¢ Oct. 18, 10 a.m.1 p.m., Mustard Seed Church, 700 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence.

¢ Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.11 a.m., Eudora City Hall, 4 E. Seventh St., Eudora.

¢ Oct. 21, 4 p.m.7 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds Building 21, 2120 Harper St., Lawrence.

¢ Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m.11 a.m., Baldwin Senior Center, 1221 Ind., Baldwin City.

¢ Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m.11 a.m., Lecompton United Methodist Church, 402 Elmore, Lecompton.

¢ Oct. 28, 3 p.m.6 p.m., Holcom Community Center, 2700 W. 27th St., Lawrence.

The Health Department will begin offering flu shots on a walk-in basis beginning Nov. 3. For clinic hours, visit the Web site ldchealth.org and click on general information or call (785) 843-0721.