The flu season will arrive sooner than we think. Every year millions of Americans contract the flu and thousands of them die from its complications. It’s time for a flu shot.

The Madison Health Department and VNA Community Healthcare will sponsor three walk-in clinics at the Town Campus in Meeting Room A at the following times and dates:

• Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

VNA Community Healthcare also sponsors other flu clinics in and around Madison. The schedule is posted on its website www.connecticuthomecare.com and it can be reached at 203-458-4200. Additionally, flu vaccinations are often available from family physicians.

The Health Department reminds residents it is important to remember that vaccination is not a guarantee against contracting the flu. In light of this, it is important not to abandon the time-honored methods of controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often, and always after sneezing or coughing.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

• Put used tissue in a waste basket.

• Don’t share food or food utensils.