(12/10/18) Louisiana health officials want more people to get a flu shot in a state that has among the highest levels of flu activity so far this season.
The state health department says free flu shots will be available Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at parish health units across the state.
The health units have extended evening hours to accommodate people leaving work or school.
The health department says the flu causes about 500 deaths and nearly 3,000 hospitalizations annually in Louisiana.
But the numbers spiked last year with a more severe flu season, to more than 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,600 deaths.
The department recommends a yearly flu shot for anyone over six months of age without a complicating medical condition.
Here’s a list of locations in our region:
Caldwell Parish Health Unit
501 East Collins Road, Columbia LA 71418 | 318.649.2393
East Carroll Parish Health Unit
403 Second Street, Lake Providence LA 71254 | 318.559.2012
Franklin Parish Health Unit
6614 Main Street, Winnsboro LA 71295 | 318.435.2143
Jackson Parish Health Unit
228 Bond Street, Jonesboro LA 71251-0087 | 318.259.6601
Lincoln Parish Health Unit
405 E. Georgia Avenue, Ruston LA 71270 | (318) 251-4120
Morehouse Parish Health Unit
650 School Road, Bastrop LA 71220 | 318. 283.0806
Ouachita Parish Health Unit
1650 Desiard Street, Monroe LA 71201 | (318) 361-7370
Richland Parish Health Unit
21 Lynn Gayle Robertson Rd, Rayville LA 71269 | 318. 728.4441
Union Parish Health Unit
1002 Marion Hwy., Farmerville LA 71241 | 318. 368.3156
West Carroll Parish Health Unit
402 Beale Street, Oak Grove LA 71263 | 318. 428.9361
A full list of sites is available online.
