Mississippi health officials are getting ready for the upcoming flu season by offering shots at county health departments.

The state health officer, Dr. Ed Thompson, says that while flu season usually peaks in January through March, it sometimes reaches high levels as early as December.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 36,000 deaths nationwide in 2007 were attributed to flu and pneumonia. There were 67 in Mississippi.

The charge for flu vaccination is $25.

Medicare Part B covers the cost of flu vaccination, so those under that program should bring their cards. Children ages 6 months through 18 years can receive flu vaccinations for $10 through the Vaccines for Children program.