Flu shot season opens with more options.

You can see your doctor, look for a health department clinic, or visit your pharmacy.

Action News Reporter Julianne Sweeney tells us how people are taking advantage of more convenience.

Andy Craver of Binghamton gets a flu shot every year.

He's been getting vaccinated for the last 20-years.

"You never know when you're going to get hit, so I like, I like to get it done early and get it out of the way, and I don't have to worry about it." says Craver.

Craver's taking advantage of this flu shot clinic at Clintwood Healthy U in Vestal.

He says it's more convenient to walk in, rather than schedule a doctor's appointment.

Maxim Health Systems organized the clinic, where nurses administer shots.

"A lot of times I hear, they had the flu before, the flu that causes 'em to very ill and hospitalized." says nurse Lori Peterson.

The Broome County Health Department also offers flu shot clinics.

It has already ordered 4-thousand doses for this season.

Nurse Mari Yourdon says that young children, the elderly, and people living with chronic health conditions have the highest risk of getting the flu.

"We are advocates in getting flu shots into arms. We want people to get vaccinated." says Yourdon.

Yourdin reminds people the shot does not always prevent flu.

But it should lessen the severity.

Craver says he thinks it makes a big difference.

"One of those things you should do to keep yourself healthy, and I want to be healthy, I want to live a lot longer." says Craver.

Armed with his flu shot, Craver says he's usually left to fend off the common cold to stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control now recommends children ages 6 months-18 years should be vaccinated against influenza annually.

The CDC says it would help reduce transmission of the flu from household to household.

Maxim Health Services is holding more pharmacy clinics this Thursday.

Walgreens Drug Store on Main in Johnson City from 9:00 am to Noon.

CVS on Union Center Highway in Endicott from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

And from 3:00 to 7:00 at CVS pharmacies on Main Street in Binghamton and Hooper Road in Endwell.

The website flucliniclocator.org will help you find more dates and locations in your area.

The Broome County Health Department will hold its first flu shot clinic starting in November.