Free flu vaccines were offered Friday at Tom Byrne Park and a sizable number of locals were able to provide themselves with protection against the virus, while also providing local nursing students with practice administering immunizations.

David Legett, area immunization manager for public health areas seven and nine, said he was pleased with the turnout.

“We’re at about 300 shots already,” Legett said just after noon. “It’s serving as a vaccination, but also as emergency-preparedness training.”

The vaccination included protection against three different strains of the flu virus, including the H1N1 strain that caused concern for many when there was a pandemic in 2009.

“At this point the CDC, which has a website you can check every week, expects a typical flu season,” Legett said. “We encourage anyone who’s eligible to get a flu shot. There’s plenty of vaccines still available.”

On hand to administer the vaccines were nursing students from Jefferson Davis Community College.

Legett expressed gratitude for their help, stating the clinic would not have been a success without, and adding the students were able to gain valuable experience from the event.

“It’s good for them. It’s good for us,” Legett said.

Melissa White, a nursing student at JDCC, was thankful for learning experience.

“We are so appreciative of the community for coming out and helping us learn,” White said. “We’re so grateful to our instructors and Jefferson Davis Community College.”