NEW ROCHELLE, NY — To help residents stay healthy through this winter and beyond, County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that the Westchester County Department of Health will offer more than 1,000 free flu shots and vaccines that provide protection against several other communicable diseases at six clinics this fall.
“Getting a flu shot each year is a smart way to protect yourself,” Astorino said. “The idea behind setting up the clinics and offering the vaccine for free is for the county to do its part in keeping residents healthy this flu season.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, free flu shots will be available to any county resident ages 3 and up at the Westchester County Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Westchester residents are encouraged to sign up in advance at www.health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic. Residents without internet access can call 914-995-7425. Walk-ins are also welcome.
At the same clinic, residents ages 19 and up who never received a Tdap vaccine can get this vaccine at no charge, too. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and is especially important for adults who spend time with infants, who are not fully protected from these diseases.
“I strongly encourage everyone who has not already done so to schedule flu shots for all family members six months old and up, including pregnant women,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County Commissioner of Health. “The vaccine is safe and well-proven to provide protection throughout flu season, which can last throughout the spring.”
The county also will hold four free walk-in clinics this fall at four community organizations for residents who lack insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines. These clients can get free flu, Tdap, pneumococcal and MMR vaccines. The clinics will be held at e Grace Community Church, White Plains; Hope Community Services, New Rochelle; Neighbors Link, Mount Kisco; and Don Bosco Community Center, Port Chester.
A clinic for all college students who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover vaccines, will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Westchester Community College. Students with current ID can sign up or drop in to the clinic in the Tech building lounge on the Valhalla campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Besides flu vaccine, uninsured and underinsured students also can get free HPV and meningococcal vaccines.
Each year in the U.S., about more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications. People most at risk for complications from the flu include pregnant women, adults age 50 and older, children under the age of five and their caregivers, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and anyone who has certain underlying medical conditions.
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.
For more information about the flu, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or go to www.westchestergov.com/health.