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HELENA- A new state law means that more people will have convenient access to flu vaccinations this season.

New rules take effect on Saturday that allow pharmacists to provide flu shots to people 12 years and older.

The change is the result of passage of Senate Bill 189 by the 2011 legislature. Previously, pharmacists could only provide the shots to people 18 and older.

Corey Heffernan of the Montana Pharmacy Association says by lowering the age, parents can can take their kids to the pharmacy on evenings and weekends without making an appointment.

Heffernan added that an estimated 200,000 patients are hospitalized due to the flu or related complications each year.