Free seasonal influenza vaccines are now available. Seniors, children, patients with serious illnesses, and medical personnel have the first priority of receiving the shots. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in addition to the 3 million doses in place, 60,000 vaccines in preventing against pneumonia and its related diseases are also provided for individuals over the age of 65.

On Friday morning, 85-year old Mr. Hsueh arrived at the hospital to get his free flu shot. In order to protect himself against infection, Hsueh has been getting flu shots for the past five years.

The Centers for Disease Control has prepared 2.979 million free seasonal flu shots this year.

The shots include both the Influenza A and Influenza B viruses, and therefore protect against both H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

Seniors over the age of 65, children between the ages of six months old and the fourth grade, patients with major illnesses, and medical personnel can start getting their free flu shots on Friday.

The CDC has also prepared 60,000 free pneumococcal vaccines for those over the age of 75.

According to medical experts, the enterovirus season have not yet peaked despite a recent spike in the number of cases.

As the virus is affecting all age groups, everyone should wash their hands often, wear surgical masks when possible, and avoid public places.