The Sanders County Health Department offers free flu shots for the season. Last Wednesday, the department's tent was set up at the rural fire hall at the west end of Thompson Falls. It was in operation from noon to 4 p.m.

"We have had 40 people so far today," said Lisa Richmond, the public health assistant. That was at 2 p.m. "On Tuesday they administered a total of 49 shots in Trout Creek," said Bill Naegeli, the Sanders County Emergency Manager.

Ashley Bache, who works for the county as the Rural Addressing Geological Information assistant in mapping, and Tina Scott with Environmental Services, operated the check-in station. Karren McKinzie, the Tobacco and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and Debbie Lang, the Sanders County Public Health Director, supervised the operations with Corrine Ramstead, a nurse in training from Montana State University.

Their next stop for drive-up vaccines will be in Plains on Wednesday, October 18, at Fred Young Park from noon to 4 p.m. The health department will be offering flu vaccines at the following senior centers: in Noxon on Monday, October 16; in Thompson Falls on October 19; and in Heron October 25. The senior center vaccination clinics will be 4:30-6 p.m., Richmond said. Sanders County Public Health also offers walk-in clinics 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mondays in the office at the Sanders County Courthouse.