Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will be offering shots during its annual Flu Shot Drive-Through on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the EMS Building, 221 Friendship Lane in Fredericksburg.

The event is set up where no one will have to leave their vehicle to receive a flu shot, and the Wellness Center is requesting a donation of $20 for each vaccination.

To reach the EMS Building, take South Adams to Friendship Lane and turn right at the stop sign. Or from U.S. 87 South, turn west onto Friendship Lane and travel about a mile to the EMS entrance on the left.

Dawn Bourgeois, Wellness Center director, said flu shots will be available on a walk-in basis at the Wellness Center after Oct. 25.

Influenza is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and spreads virus into the air that other people inhale. When the virus enters the nose, throat or lungs, it begins to multiply, causing flu symptoms. Viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

According to the CDC, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. Other ways include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, and, if you have the flu, protecting others by staying home from work, school and errands.

For information on the drive-through, call the Wellness Center at 830-997-1355.