WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Westchester County Health Department will give free flu shots to residents by appointment at vaccine clinics in White Plains and Yonkers this month and next month.
“Scheduling a flu shot early in the season for you and your family is a smart preventative measure to stay healthy throughout the year,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino.
Choose among these three locations and schedule a visit:
Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the County Center in White Plains: Go to http://health. ny.gov/Go2Clinic and click on Westchester or call 995-7425.
1st and 3rd Fridays at the health department clinic in White Plains, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., call 995-5800.
2nd and 4th Fridays at the health department clinic in Yonkers: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., call 231-2500.
“The sooner you get a flu shot, the longer you will benefit from it during flu season, which can last from October to May,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “It’s also important to know that you need a flu shot every year and that even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.”
Flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months of age, with rare exceptions. People most at risk for complications from the flu include pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, children under the age of five, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and anyone who has certain underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
To avoid spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands frequently with soap and water frequently. 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 often, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy food.