LAKE COUNTY – Safeway Inc. is reminding consumers to protect themselves against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu during the holidays.

Safeway is providing the vaccines on a “walk-in” basis at most pharmacies. The vaccines are the best protection against getting the virus and/ or spreading it to friends and family.

The Lakeport Safeway, which has a pharmacy, is offering the shots, according to pharmacy staff.

“A number of factors make people more susceptible to seasonal flu and H1N1 flu during the holiday season,” said Dave Fong, senior vice president of Pharmacy. “Simply traveling to visit family could mean being in an enclosed airplane with airborne viruses. It is difficult to avoid potential exposure, but easy to lessen your chances of becoming ill by getting vaccinated.”

Safeway pharmacies are partnering with state and county public health departments to increase the access, availability and convenience of the H1N1 vaccines to people in high-risk groups, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports that people in the following groups have increased susceptibility and should receive the H1N1 vaccine: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel; people six months to 24 years of age; persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

However, in many states and counties, these restrictions have been lifted and anyone can be vaccinated.

Medicare Part B participants will receive the flu shots at no charge.