Flu Vaccine Clinics Open to All Ages December 13 and 20
With flu season officially under way, the Westchester County Department of Health will offer free flu shots by appointment this month to encourage residents to stay healthy.
Flu shots will be given for ages three and up on Wednesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 20 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be made at www.westchestergov.com/health. Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last.
Flu shots also will be given to residents ages six months and older at Health Department clinics by appointment, on Thursdays in Yonkers and on Fridays in White Plains, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last. For appointments, go to https://health.westchestergov.com/. You also can find a flu shot near you at https://www.vaccines.gov.
Flu and other vaccines are also available at no charge for uninsured and underinsured adults and children through the Vaccines for Adults and Vaccines for Children programs at Health Department clinics. Call 914-995-5800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m. to discuss eligibility. To reach residents who have difficulty accessing flu shots, the Health Department is giving flu vaccines at some soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “As the holidays rapidly approach, now is the best time for everyone six months and older to get an annual flu shot. Fully effective after two weeks, the vaccine will protect you and all your vulnerable family members and friends. With new variants circulating, it is prudent to schedule both flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines for your whole family. Vaccination protects those around you who are more vulnerable to complications, such as infants too young to be vaccinated, seniors and people with chronic health conditions.”
In the U.S., there are usually more flu cases between December and February, but flu can linger into May. One flu vaccine now provides protection all season long and can prevent illness or reduce the severity of flu symptoms.
Dr. Amler said that anyone who does get a respiratory infection should consider COVID/influenza testing. To avoid spreading germs to others, the CDC recommends residents wear a mask, cough or sneeze into their elbow and wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Those with flu should stay home for 24-hours after their fever subsides. Those who test positive for COVID should stay home for five days to avoid spreading germs and then wear a mask in public for another five days. In addition, clean surfaces that are touched frequently such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones, and get plenty of rest.