Albany County has posted a YouTube announcement on its website’s main page at www.albanycounty.com, urging residents to get flu vaccinations early.

The video provides information on the importance of the flu vaccine and an interactive flu vaccine finder.

“The 2012-13 flu season was particularly bad in New York State, with more than 240 confirmed cases in the county and 45,000 statewide,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy in a release from the county. “We want to do all we can to get people ready for the flu season. The key is to get the vaccine now before exposure.”   

The flu vaccine will again be provided to county residents who are six months of age and older. The clinics will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the health department at 175 Green Street next to the office for the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

To make an appointment, call 447-4589 during business hours.

The Health Department accepts most insurance plans and will bill Medicare Part B for people age 65 and older. People should bring their insurance card to their appointments. If the insurance plan is not accepted, the cost of the flu vaccination is $25, payable at the time of service. For those without insurance who are unable to pay the full cost, a sliding-fee scale will be used.