Dallas County Health and Human Services began offering seasonal flu shots for children Tuesday afternoon.
"Traditionally the children's vaccine normally comes in later, so we're excited that we're getting it now, " said Director Zachary Thompson. "We're encouraging parents to bring their kids in and get the childhood flu vaccine. It's real critical to protect them as we go into the flu season."
The flu shots cost $5 and are available Monday through Friday at 2377 North Stemmons Freeway in Dallas.
"Even seasonal influenza has the potential to be deadly," said Dr. Wendy Chung, with the Dallas County Health Department. "Every year in the United States we have 36,000 deaths from influenza."
A vaccine for the H1N1 swine flu is expected in early October.
"It's important to know that there are two very different vaccines and that both are needed," said Chung.
