Flu shots are available at both Hospital CIMA and Clinica Biblica for less than 5,000 colons, about $10.

Clinica Biblica has the Vaxigrip brand for 3,700 colones  for adults and 3,325 for children 3 years and older. The San José hospital charges 1,000 colons to administer the injection.

In the pharmacy of Hospital CIMA Fluarix brand is available. The cost for adults and children is 4,745 colons. Children under 3 can take a half dose of this vaccine. CIMA staffers will apply the vaccine for free at the vaccination center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., they said.

Those vaccines are designed for the A and B type of influenza and recommended for people over 60 years of age, people with low immune defenses. Shots are not recommended for children under 6 months.

A flu shot is also recommended once a year for persons who have respiratory problems or diseases.