The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention is urging people to get their flu shots as soon as possible because of last season's low vaccination rate.

Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) will make this easier by offering free flu shots to all adults 65 and older, and adults with weakened immune systems from chronic diseases, during the Palmdale Fall Festival on Oct. 11 and 12.

"We don't know what to expect from this flu season,"said Edward Mirzabegian, AVH Chief Executive Officer. "Last year was a relatively mild season, but every year is different. Flu symptoms can often result in hospitalization, and can sometimes be fatal. We encourage everyone to get a flu shot, but especially individuals who are most susceptible."

Each year, the flu infects up to 20 percent of the world's population and causes hospitalization of 200,000 people. Although the flu can cause aches and misery for anyone, some populations are more vulnerable-specifically senior citizens.

Antelope Valley Hospital will administer free flu shots during the Palmdale Fall Festival 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12 (while supplies last).

To qualify for a free flu shot, individuals must meet the following guidelines:

· Adults age 65 and over

· Adults with chronic illness, chronic pulmonary diseases and asthma, cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic disorders, and diabetes

· Caretakers of individuals with one or more of the above health conditions

"There is not a shortage of flu vaccines expected in the United States this year, as there has been in previous years" stated Elizabeth Johnston, RN, AVH assistant director of quality and infection control. "Antelope Valley Hospital has already reserved the 1,000 vaccines we plan to administer to qualified individuals at the Palmdale Fall Festival."

"We care about our community's health," said Mirzabegian. "Senior citizens sometimes find obtaining flu vaccinations difficult. Flu shots often require a visit to the physician's office with costly co-payments. We hope that by offering free flu shots, we can make staying healthy easier this year."

The City of Palmdale's Fall Festival will be held October 11 and 12, 9 am - 6 pm, at Marie Kerr Park, 2723 Rancho Vista Boulevard. For more information on the Fall Festival, please contact the City of Palmdale at (661) 267-5611.

Celebrating more than 50 years of caring for the community, Antelope Valley Hospital, a facility of Antelope Valley Healthcare District, is a non-profit, 420-bed hospital that was founded in 1955.

The hospital is dedicated to providing quality care and services to everyone in the Antelope Valley.

AV Hospital is located at 1600 W. Avenue J in Lancaster.

Formore information, please visit www.avhospital.org or call 661-949-5000.