Mackinac Straits Hospital will offer influenza vaccinations at an all-day clinic Wednesday, November 9, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The clinic is open to everyone, not just patients of Mackinac Straits Hospital physicians, and there is no shortage of vaccine this year, said Barb Davis, R.N., director of quality services at the hospital.

A limited number of appointments are being taken for the clinic by calling 643-0400. Walk-in patients should expect a wait. Another clinic may be scheduled in the near future if demand exceeds the number of appointments available on that day, she said. Physicians affiliated with the hospital also have vaccine available and patients may request flu shots from their doctors’ offices in St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island, and Naubinway.

Cost of the immunization at the clinic will be $15; Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield patients will have their insurance billed for the service.

Mid-November is the ideal time to receive a flu shot, according to Centers for Disease Control, but those who get the immunization later in the year will likely still benefit from it. It is recommended that those at high risk for influenza should receive the vaccination, which includes those older than 65 or younger than age 2, those with chronic diseases, or those who care for people in high risk groups, Mrs. Davis said.