For most adults, especially those over age 65 or with chronic health problems, flu shots are recommended to prevent serious complications from influenza. This year, the UPMC Walk-in Primary Care clinic located at 2000 Mary St., South Side, will offer free flu shots throughout the month of November. Clinicians will provide shots every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Flu shots also are recommended for health care professionals; residents of nursing homes or extended care facilities; adults with chronic heart or lung diseases or metabolic disorders such as diabetes; children with chronic heart or lung diseases or metabolic disorders; and people with HIV.  Those who are allergic to eggs or who have an active cold or flu should not get the vaccine.

It takes approximately two weeks from the time of injection for the body to develop antibodies to effectively combat influenza. The vaccine provides protection for about six months.

Side effects of the vaccine are rare, occurring in less than 5 percent of those who are vaccinated, and can include tenderness at the injection site, a possible low-grade fever that begins about six to eight hours after injection, headaches and muscle aches.

For more information, please call (412) 488-5705 or check the UPMC website.