LANSING — Sen. John Proos recently received a flu shot from Michigan State University medical student Erica Errigo during MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual Legislative Flu Shot Day at the Capitol.

“Although an average of 30,000 people die from the flu every year, fewer than half of Americans get annual vaccinations,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “I strongly encourage all Southwest Michigan residents over six months old to get a flu shot before the flu season begins. It can help protect you from getting the flu and also can protect the vulnerable people around you — such as young children and seniors — who are most at risk of a serious flu illness.”

Proos thanked Errigo and the other MSU students for their time to administer flu shots to legislators and staff, and offered information on local flu shots for area residents.

Residents can get a flu shot from Lakeland Health at one the following locations:

Location: Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph

When: First Wednesday of the month. 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

Location: Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 North Front St., Niles

When: First Friday of the month. 7 to 10 a.m. Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

Sponsor: Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Niles

The Berrien County Health Department will offer an all-day walk-in flu shot clinic for children, adults and seniors on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2149 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor. No appointments are necessary and no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.

The Van Buren-Cass District Health Department is offering flu shots at various locations this fall. Residents can get a vaccine on Friday, Oct. 16 at Howard Township Hall at 1345 Barron Lake Road, in Niles from 9-11 a.m. and on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Marcellus Methodist Church at 197 W. Main St. in Marcellus. No appointments are necessary.

St. Joseph County residents can get a flu shot at the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph County Community Health Agency at 1110 Hill St. in Three Rivers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 Residents are encouraged to call ahead at (269) 273-2162 ext. 0208.