Free flu vaccination clinics begin today across the province.

Regional health authorities are now providing flu shots to protect against two strains of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and two strains of influenza B (Victoria and Yamagata).

The Department of Health says getting a flu shot early helps the body build up immunity and protect against the flu which can seriously affect the very young, the very old, and those with compromised health.

Some 138,000 people received a flu shot through the publicly funded vaccination program last year, an increase of 13,000 from the year before.

Flu shots are also available through local pharmacies for a fee. Flu shots through pharmacies are free if you have an NL Prescription Drug Program card.