Free flu clinics set for Westchester, Rockland: 'Don't put off your flu shot any longer'
David Robinson- About one in five people who didn't get flu shots last year are ready to get one this year
Westchester County Health Department plans to offer free flu vaccines for college students and residents age 3 and up at clinics this month.
“Don’t put off your flu shot any longer, make an appointment for one today," said County Executive George Latimer. "Flu can be miserable, and this vaccine will help keep you and your family healthy well into 2019.”
While the clinics are open to all, they are intended for people without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines, county officials said. Register online for these flu vaccine clinics.
Appointments are available as follows:
- College students, Oct. 23, Westchester Community College Student Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Residents age 3 and up, Oct. 30, County Clinic, 134 Court St., White Plains, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are also upcoming flu clinics offered by Rockland County government that are free for some and carry a fee for others.
The clinics are as follows:
- Oct. 19, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Robert Yeager Health Center, Building A, second floor clinic area, located at Sanatorium Road in Pomona.
- Nov. 2, 1 to 4 p.m. at the same location.
The Rockland vaccine is free of charge if you are 65 years and older (bring identification with proof of age); have Medicare or Medicaid (bring your program card); or are uninsured or underinsured, county officials said.
No appointments are needed. There is a $20 fee for those 6 months through 64 years old who don't meet the waiver criteria above. Cash or checks will be accepted.
For those with private health insurance, county officials said they will provide a receipt to submit to health insurance for possible reimbursement. For further details, visit Rockland County's website here.
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Flu shots are also available for a fee from many area pharmacists and medical offices, as well as at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations in New York. There is no appointment needed at the CVS sites, depending upon staff and supplies. Patients can check wait times at MinuteClinic.com and locations on the CVS website: www.cvs.com/store-locator/landing.
The Westchester County Health Department plans to provide up to 1,700 flu vaccines this fall.
County officials focused efforts on people who lack the means to get vaccinated elsewhere by bringing flu shots to homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries throughout Westchester.
“Everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “Flu can make otherwise healthy adults and children very ill and it can be deadly."
Amler also expanded on the public-health benefits of flu vaccinations.
"When healthier people get an annual flu shot, they help protect the people around them, including infants too young to be vaccinated, seniors and people with chronic health conditions, who are more vulnerable to flu complications,” she said.
Further, Historic numbers of hospitalizations, pediatric deaths and illnesses last flu season have many people rethinking vaccination this time around, The Journal News/lohud reported.
About one in five people who didn't previously get flu shots say the devastating season has them ready to join the ranks of vaccinated Americans.
Flu activity is usually highest between December and February, but can last into May. One flu vaccine now provides protection all season long and can prevent illness or reduce the severity of flu symptoms, Amler said. The vaccine becomes fully effective after about two weeks.
What follows are some tips from Amler about limiting the spread of disease this flu season:
- Anyone who does get a respiratory infection should cough or sneeze into their elbow.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Stay home until 24 hours after the fever subsides to avoid spreading germs.
- Clean surfaces touched by ill people frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.
- Get plenty of rest.