POINT PLEASANT — The Point Pleasant Intermediate School PTA recently announced a new effort to help keep children healthy so that they reach their full potential entitled “Let’s Fight Flu Together!”

The influenza season is fast approaching and receiving an annual vaccination is the best defense in preventing this serious and potentially deadly disease. This year the PTA is continuing its commitment to helping all children, their families and everyone in the community become immunized against influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all children from six months through 18 years of age be immunized with the flu vaccine. Due to this, the PTA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals are working with Flu Busters, a leading provider of on-site vaccinations, and Novartis Vaccines to host a community vaccination clinic at Point Pleasant Intermediate School.

“PTA is committed to helping keep children, parents, school staff and Point Pleasant community members healthy this school season,” said Kelly Veroski, PPIS PTA president. “Recognizing consequences to this disease, we are thrilled to offer our community the convenience of affordable immunizations at our school.”

Influenza vaccinations will be administered by a qualified health professional from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at the PPIS cafeteria. Each vaccination, which is for ages four and up, will cost $25, while the flu-mist, which is for ages two to 49, will cost $30 if pre-registered.

Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted from those who are eligible. Pre-registration is required for those using Medicare/Medicaid and for those requesting Flu-Mist. Pre-registration also is required for those wishing to reserve vaccine shot at the discounted price.

A limited number of vaccine shots will be available for $27 the day of the clinic for walk-ins. The deadline for pre-registration is Oct. 26th. To register and schedule an appointment time, please call (866) 358-2878 or go to the Web site, https://secure.flubusters.com/home.aspx.

Clinic participants who previously registered for the flu vaccine clinic that was scheduled for Oct. 9 do not need to register again, but are asked to bring their printed receipt to the clinic in order to receive the vaccine.

Clinic organizers encourage all participants to check with their health care provider before receiving a flu vaccine.

Influenza vaccines are currently not approved for children under six months of age and may not prevent the disease in 100 percent of individuals. All vaccines have side effects. The most common side effects of influenza vaccines include local reactions and mild, general symptoms.

For more information about the Let’s Fight Flu Together! program, visit the national PTA Web site, www.pta.org or the Flu Busters/PTA Web site, which is specifically pertains to the Let’s Fight Flu Together! vaccination program, at www.pta.org/flushotclinics. Information also is available by calling 1-866- 782-3014. For more information about preventing the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.