(Undated) – The flu is making an early surge in the tri-state, according to the Northern Kentucky Health Department.

As of November 24, 31 cases of flu have been reported in northern Kentucky. In the 2011-2012 flu season, 284 individuals in the region tested positive for the flu.

The Health Department will offer a limited number of doses of the flu vaccine by appointment at its county health centers. Through the federal Vaccines for Children program, the Health Department will administer free flu vaccine to children under age 18 without insurance or Medicaid or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine.

Additionally, adults without insurance, Medicare or Medicaid and who can’t otherwise afford the vaccine, are encouraged to seek it from the Health Department.

Those who are able to pay a $20 fee for the vaccine will be asked to do so; those who are unable to pay will not be turned away.

The department says it is recommended that everyone age six months or older receive the vaccine.

More information can be found on the Northern Kentucky Health Department website, http://www.nkyhealth.org/mx/hm.asp?id=seasonalflu.