The Westchester County Department of Health is offering free flu shots to residents at its White Plains District Office this week.
“There are still people who are in need of a flu shot and we want to help them out,” Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said. “We’ve been getting calls from residents who are having difficulty locating the vaccine, so these clinics should help fill the void.”
Flu shots will be available for adults and children ages 9 and up at 134 Court St. on Thursday, Jan. 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free flu shots are also available at the Department of Health's Yonkers District Office, 20 S. Broadway, Thursday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Astorino said residents are strongly encouraged to register in advance for the flu clinics at www.health. ny.gov/Go2Clinic. Those without internet access can call 914-995-7425, weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
The county held a flu shot clinic on Jan. 24 at the Westchester County Center, where more than 450 people were vaccinated.
“I was thrilled that so many people took advantage of this opportunity to get a flu shot, especially the many that were there to get the vaccine for the first time,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “We hope residents who still haven’t done so will come to one of these additional clinics and get vaccinated. Right now, the flu is widespread throughout Westchester and New York State and it can continue to circulate well into the spring,” she added.
Residents can also visit the health department website to find providers and pharmacies who are giving flu shots. Physicians can call the health department if they have excess vaccine to share with other providers or if they are willing to give vaccines to people who are not their patients.
The flu shot is safe and provides protection against the three strains of the flu that are circulating this season.
To prevent spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often. If you do get sick, 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, visit www.westchestergov.com/health, on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept, or on Twitter @wchealthdept, or call us 914-813-5000.
