DANVILLE — The Vermilion County Health Department is providing seasonal flu vaccinations for children from 6 months to 18 years old.

Appointments can be made by calling the health department's immunization division at 431-2662, ext. 249. The cost is $15 per vaccination.

Children between 6 months and 8 years old who haven't been vaccinated in the past may need two doses of the vaccine.

"The flu vaccine is the single best protection against getting the flu," health department Administrator Shirley Hicks said. She said it's especially important that children with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, sickle-cell anemia and chronic kidney disease be immunized.

The flu vaccine is not approved for children younger than 6 months old, health officials said. The best way to protect them is to make sure that their caregivers and other members of their household are immunized.

Health officials are encouraging everyone to be proactive in protecting themselves against the flu by getting a flu shot and practicing these preventative steps:

— Wash your hands with soap and hot water, and keep hand sanitizer nearby as a backup.

— Maintain your personal space (three to six feet) away from other people.

— Cough and sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and properly dispose of it immediately, then wash your hands.

— Keep your hands away from your face especially your eyes, nose and mouth.

— Frequently sanitize highly used surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs.

— And teach your children to wash their hands properly.

For more information, call the health department or visit its website at http://www.vchd.org.