Vaccination is the best protection against getting influenza, the Carson City Health and Human Services Department reminded residents Friday.

Based on recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been numerous respiratory ailments among the young and middle-aged with flu strains that have led to hospitalization, intensive-care treatment and some deaths. Flu shots are recommended for everyone older than 6 months.

It is particularly important for people who are pregnant or have asthma, diabetes or chronic lung diseases such as COPD or emphysema, according to HHS officials.

Carson City’s HHS office at 900 E. Long St. offers flu vaccinations for walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Douglas County walk-ins are welcome from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays in the Stratton Center at 1538 U.S. Highway 395 in Gardnerville.