Many people who intended to get the influenza vaccine this season have already done so, but if you're still considering getting one, there are plenty of reasons to go.

"The CDC recommends everyone from the age of 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine," said Suleima Salgado, director of public relations and health promotions for the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments. "Flu vaccination protects people with chronic diseases, young children in school settings, health-care workers and people who take care of the chronically ill and aged."

According to the CDC, there are 36,000 flu-related deaths each year. Salgado warns that there are certain groups that are at high risk for being hospitalized or dying of the illness. These groups include: adults 65 years of age and older, children ages 6 months to 19 years old, pregnant women and people with health conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Salgado added, "A flu shot is particularly important if you are going to be traveling in close quarters such as a car or plane since flu is respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing."

The 2010-2011 national flu vaccine will not only protect against the standard influenza B, but it will also guard against H3N2, another seasonal flu virus, and the infamous outbreak virus, H1N1. The vaccine is available at a number of Lilburn locations (listed below), many of which don't require health-insurance paperwork.

This year's vaccine also comes in three variations, Salgado noted. Aside from the standard flu vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose is another vaccine given by injection that is specific to those ages 65 years and older because it creates a high immune response. The other is FluMist, which is a nasal spray ideal for healthy children.

"As long as I can remember, I've always gotten the flu shot," said Alexander Dodd, 25, a Lilburn resident who received his injection at Kaiser Permanente in early November. "I get my flu shot because of my dad, who turned 63 this year. Everyone in my family gets the flu shot and I even made my girlfriend get it, too, since she's around us so much."

It's still not too late to get your vaccine. The following centers in and around Lilburn offer the three-in-1 vaccination with or without health insurance:

All Walgreens locations in Lilburn. Walk-ins only. The vaccine shot costs $30 while the nasal spray costs $35. Fluzone may also be available. Flu shot gift cards can also be purchased.

CVS locations in Lilburn. Appointments required. Go to www.cvs.com/flu or call 1-888-FLU-SHOT to schedule an appointment. One shot costs $30. Flu shot gift cards can also be purchased.

The Rite Air Pharmacy on Five Forks-Trickum Road. Cost is $24.99. Go to www.riteaid.com/flu.

Both Kroger locations. Walk-ins welcome. $20. Flu injections are offered.

Both Publix locations. Walk-ins and appointments accepted. Cost is $25 for the standard flu injection and $60 for Fluzone injection. Go to www.publix.com or call 1-877-FLU-8100 to schedule an appointment.    

Reagan Medical Center, 2878 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville. Walk-ins only. $20 for one shot. www.reaganmedical.com. 678-344-8700. 

Gwinnett County Health Departments in Buford (2755 Sawnee Avenue, 770-614-2401), Norcross (5030 Georgia Belle Court, 770-638-5700) and Lawrenceville (455 Grayson Highway, Suite 300, 770-339-4270). Walk-ins welcome. The injection shot and the nasal spray are available for $20 each. www.eastmetrohealth.com.

You also can find locations offering flu shots at the American Lung Association website.