BENNINGTON — Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is offering a community flu vaccination clinic and free blood pressure checks for all those who come to the Bennington Fire House on River Street in Bennington on Election Day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The flu vaccine will be available for adults who are 18 or older for a fee of $35. Payment can be made only using Medicare Part B, cash or checks. Those eligible for Medicare Part B should bring their insurance card.

Blood pressure checks will be done free of charge.

Officials at the hospital say the single best method of protection against the flu is to get the flu vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. Getting vaccinated is especially important for those at higher risk for serious flu-related complications or those who live with or care for those at high risk including pregnant women; people who are 65 or older; people with certain chronic medical conditions; and people with a body mass index above 39.

The CDC estimates that about 68 million people in the United States have high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure often has no symptoms and people with high blood pressure often don’t realize they have it.