RENO — In an effort to keep the northern Nevada community healthy this flu season, Renown Health will provide seasonal flu and pneumonia shots to the public at a variety of locations throughout the Truckee Meadows.

Renown has scheduled more than 25 flu and pneumonia shot events. Seasonal flu shots are offered at no cost to Medicare beneficiaries (Part B), members of Senior Care Plus or Hometown Health fully insured HMO and PPO plans. All other persons can receive the seasonal flu shots for $28 and the pneumonia shots for $50.

This year, there will be a vaccine for the seasonal flu as well as additional vaccines for the H1N1 flu, which may need to be given twice. Renown is working with the Washoe County District Health Department in conjunction with area health providers in a community-wide effort to prepare for H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site contains helpful, up-to-date information. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1. State and county information is available at www.flu.nv.gov or by calling the State Health Division bilingual hotline at 1-866-767-5038 open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit www.renown.org/ flu for a complete seasonal flu and pneumonia shot schedule or call 982-5757. Updated information on H1N1 will also be included at this site.

If unable to attend any of the flu shot events, people are encouraged to call Renown Medical Group at 982-5000 to schedule an appointment. Flu shots are available to children ages 9 to 17 with a parent present. Pediatric Flu Shots are available by appointment only for children ages 6 months to 8 years old. Call 982-4148.