White Plains, NY – County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that the Westchester County Department of Health will offer free flu shots to residents on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at a walk-in clinic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nepperhan Community Center, 342 Warburton Ave. in Yonkers.
“Flu season is picking up throughout the state, so I encourage residents to get a free flu shot at this clinic for themselves and their families,” Astorino said. “It’s not too late to get a flu shot.’’
The health department has 150 doses which can be given to adults and children ages 9 and up. Since flu season began on Oct. 1, the health department has given out more than 1,000 flu shots at 16 flu clinics.
“We hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity, because flu season can last well into the spring,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “If you do get sick, do yourself, your coworkers and your friends a favor and stay home to avoid spreading your germs. Most people will recover on their own from the flu with no need to go to a doctor’s office.
To prevent spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do get a respiratory infection, stay home until 24 hours after your fever subsides, to avoid spreading your germs. Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy food.
“It’s also important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating and after using the toilet or blowing your nose and to cough into your sleeve,” Amler said.
The flu shot provides safe protection from a virus that can turn deadly. Each year in the U.S., 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu. This translates into the potential for about 100 to 125 flu-related deaths per year in Westchester’s population.
For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/health, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept, follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or call us at (914) 813-5000.
