MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – City leaders are reminding the public about the importance of getting a flu shot in order to prevent spreading the illness.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other leaders were at the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee Monday morning to get the message out.

The flu is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States. The flu shot is recommended for those who are most vulnerable to serious complications like babies, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic illness.

"It's important that people in Milwaukee get the flu shot because we know nationally that 200,000 people each year die or are hospitalized because they don't get the flu shot and get the flu. It's unpredictable but we are confident that this year's flu vaccine will be successful," said Mayor Barrett.

The Milwaukee Health Department offers free flu shots to children 18 and younger who have Badger Care Plus, Medicaid or are uninsured.

Parents can bring eligible children into any Milwaukee Health Department walk-in clinic to get the flu shot.

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