Most of the flu vaccine Whiteside County Health Department receives this year will be administered as part of a major exercise that health officials will use as a “real life” practice drill.

The health department will coordinate the event to simulate the conditions if an “epidemic” was happening and mass vaccinations were necessary.

“We urge residents who plan on receiving their flu shot from the health department to attend the one-day vaccination drill and help us practice what could be necessary if a real epidemic occurred,” said Beth Fiorini, public health administrator of Whiteside County.

The mass vaccination will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, at Westwood Sports Center, 1900 Westwood Dr., Sterling. Information on times when residents can receive their vaccination during the “drill” will be released at a later date through the radio, newspaper, TV and on the County Web site www.whiteside.org.

Other flu clinics are as scheduled:

Erie — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, St. Ambrose Parish Hall, Fifth and Main Streets

Morrison — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Ebenezer Reformed Church, 309 E. Park St.

Fulton — 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, Fulton Fire Station, 912 Fourth St.

Prophetstown — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, United Methodist Church, Lafayette and Highway 78

The cost for the 2006 influenza vaccine is $25, or $20 if paid on the day of service. Medicare Part B will be billed if a Medicare card is shown at the time of first visit. Public Aid will cover the cost of flu shots for children. Children 9 years old and younger may need a second vaccination. Submitted by Spencer Schein, Health Educator

Whiteside County Health Department