With at least 53 pediatric deaths reported nationwide, doctors are calling this the worst flu season in years.

Salamanca schools closed Monday as a result of illness and people who haven’t received a flu shot yet are encouraged to get one as soon as possible.

The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is hosting a flu shot clinic Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. in the Golisano Center for Community Health on the first floor of the facility at 533 10^th Street.

Pharmacists will be on hand answering any questions regarding the flu vaccine and the prevention or treatment of the flu.

The vaccine will be administered free of charge to anyone with insurance, including Medicare, but a card must be provided. For those without insurance, the charge will be $25.

To make things go faster, people coming in for the clinic are asked to wear a short-sleeved shirt.

According to the New York State Department of Health, the flu season typically peaks this month, meaning the peak has not yet been reached.