There are still several chances to get a flu shot at one of the Hawaii Medical Service Association's annual community flu shot clinics for HMSA, HMSA 65C Plus and HMSA QUEST members.

Clinics are being conducted through mid-November on O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Kaua'i and the Big Island. (See schedule below.)

HMSA, HMSA 65C Plus and HMSA QUEST members 18 and older may receive flu shots at no cost, while supplies last. Members must show their HMSA card and a photo ID. There will be no charge for Medicare Part B beneficiaries who show their Medicare card and a photo ID. Nonmembers may get an immunization for $40.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. The best prevention is to get a flu shot each fall. Flu shots are recommended for individuals 65 and above, residents of long-term-care facilities, workers providing direct care to patients, pregnant women, children ages 6 months to 5 years, caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, and people with chronic conditions such as heart or lung problems, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer or HIV/AIDS.

People should consult their doctor if they are allergic to eggs, have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past, or have Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare form of nerve damage). Flu shots should not be given to children under 6 months old or to anyone with a fever.

2008 HMSA Community Flu Shot Clinics

O'ahu

Yesterday: Longs - Hawai'i Kai: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Yesterday: Longs - 'Ewa Beach: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday: Longs - Pearl City: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday: Longs - Kane'ohe Bay Shopping Center: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday: Longs - Kapolei: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Longs - Manoa: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Longs - Don Quijote - Waipahu: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Longs - Pali: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Don Quijote - Kailua: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 2: Don Quijote - Pearl City: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 3: Wal-Mart - Ke'eaumoku: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 4: Leeward Community College: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 7: Don Quijote - Honolulu: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 9: The Ward Warehouse - Kakaako Room, 2nd Floor: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 10: Kahala Mall: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 11: Kahala Mall: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 13: Marukai Wholesale Mart - Kalihi: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 18: HMSA Center - Multi-Purpose Room, Lobby: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 20: Marukai Market Place - Ward Center, Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 23: Walgreens - Ke'eaumoku: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 30: Castle Medical Center - Wellness Center: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 5: Longs - Wai'anae: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 8: HMSA Center - Multi-Purpose Room, Lobby: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 14: Ward Warehouse - Kakaako Room, 2nd Floor: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Big Island

Oct. 9: Longs - Hilo Prince Kuhio: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 14: Longs - Kailua, Kona: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 15: Foodland - Kamuela: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 22: Kealakekua Ranch Center: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 30: Longs - Ke'eau: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 18: PrimeTime Wellness Fair - Kanakaole Tennis Stadium: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kaua'i

Oct. 7: Kukui Grove Center: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 8: Foodland - Princeville: 8:30 a.m. to noon

Maui

Oct. 2: PrimeTime Wellness Fair - Wailuku Community Center: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 3: Longs - Kahului: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Moloka'i

Nov. 6: Molokai General Hospital: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.