Photo by alvi2047 via flickr

The Virginia Department of Health will hold a number of walk-in flu shot clinics through December, including at Valley View Mall and various department offices throughout the region.

Public health officials have long touted the benefits of the flu vaccine as a way to prevent illness, and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for everyone six months and older. Read more about the vaccine here. The health department accepts all insurance and will assist the uninsured.

Flu season typically begins in October and this year’s vaccine protects against the three flu viruses that are believed to cause the most illness.

Flu clinics nationwide are listed on HealthMap Vaccine Finder.

Among those in the Roanoke region are:

• Valley View Mall Community Wellness Center: Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Roanoke City Health Department, 1502 Williamson Road, N.E., 2nd floor: Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Salem Health Department, 105 East Calhoun St.: Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vinton Health Department, 227 S. Pollard St.: Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.