In the midst of an elevated flu season across the country, TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries is hosting a free flu shot clinic open to the community while limited supplies last.

TOMAGWA Executive Director Judy Deyo said the flu shots are administered on a first come, first serve basis at the nonprofit clinic located at 455 School St., Ste. 30, Tomball, on Mondays from 2–4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.–noon.

The free shots are available to anyone who comes to the clinic, regardless of city of residence or income. Identification is not required, and recipients need only sign a permission form. Deyo said the flu shots are limited in availability, so those wanting the vaccination should not delay.

"Once they're gone, they're gone," Deyo said. "We won't be getting any more."

Deyo said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, reports the flu shots help reduce signs of more serious symptoms.

"It will most likely allow you to have a less serious strain of the flu," Deyo said. "It builds up your immunity—a flu vaccine can protect against a particular strain. This particular one, according to the CDC, can protect against three strains of the flu."

Deyo said flu shots are especially recommended for the elderly and children, as well as those with respiratory problems or weak immune systems since they are most at risk from serious complications of the flu.

Flu-like symptoms include a fever, coughing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills and occasional vomiting or diarrhea. The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for those older than six months of age to reduce contraction of the illness. One of the most common side effects of the vaccine is soreness or swelling at the injection area or congestion from a vaccine nasal spray.

"If you can take a shot of the vaccine and be protected from the disease, that's a better way to do it," Deyo said. "Some people are fine [but] for [others], it can be very serious to come down with the flu."

The free flu shots are made possible thanks to a donation from Shots for Holly, a nonprofit organization that provides free vaccinations to those in need. Shots for Holly donated about 240 flu shot doses, and Deyo estimates about 200 doses remain.