TO CLOSE

A single influenza vaccine confers immunity to many common strains. It can also provide partial immunity to other strains. Children and adults over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable to the flu.
Wochit

Baby boomers should be vaccinated against the flu.(Photo: Wavebreakmedia, Getty Images / iStockphoto)

The Westchester County Health Department plans to offer free flu shots to students and residents 3 years of age and older attending clinics this month.

"Do not put off your flu shot again, make an appointment for an appointment today," said county executive George Latimer. "The flu can be miserable and this vaccine will help maintain your health and that of your family until 2019."

Although the clinics are open to all, they are for people without insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines, said county officials. register online for these flu vaccination clinics.

Appointments are available as follows:

  • College students, Oct. 23, Westchester Community College Student Center, 10 am to 2 pm
  • Residents aged 3 and over, October 30, County County Clinic, 134 Court Street, White Plains, 10 am to 6 pm

The Rockland County Government also offers upcoming flu vaccination clinics that are free for some and pay for others.

The clinics are:

  • October 19, 1 to 4 pm at Robert Yeager Health Center, Building A, on the second floor of the clinic, Sanatorium Road, Pomona.
  • Nov. 2, 1 pm to 4 pm at the same place.

The Rockland vaccine is free if you are 65 years of age or older (bring a piece of ID with proof of age); have Medicare or Medicaid (bring your program card); or are uninsured or underinsured, said county officials.

No appointments are necessary. There is a $ 20 fee for 6 months to 64 years that does not meet the above waiver criteria. Cash or checks will be accepted.

For people with private health insurance, county officials said they would provide a receipt to submit to health insurance for a possible refund. For more details, visit the Rockland County website here.

INFLUENZA: Why last year's flu season changed many vaccination plans

JFK: The aircraft in quarantine among passengers is deemed sick

EMIRATES AIRLINE: Five things to know about the Dubai-New York flight and the risk of flu

Many pharmacists and medical practices in the area, as well as CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic in New York are also available for an additional fee. No appointments are required on CVS sites, depending on staff and supplies. Patients can view wait times on MinuteClinic.com and on the CVS website: www.cvs.com/store-locator/landing.

The Westchester County Health Department plans to provide up to 1,700 influenza vaccines this fall.

County officials focused their efforts on those who could not afford to be vaccinated elsewhere by bringing flu vaccine to homeless shelters, soup kitchens and pantries throughout Westchester.

"Every person six months or older should receive an annual flu shot," said Dr. Sherlita Amler, Health Commissioner. "The flu can make very sick adults and children healthy and can be deadly."

Amler has also developed the benefits of influenza vaccination for public health.

"When healthy people are vaccinated against influenza every year, they help protect those around them, including infants who are too young to be vaccinated, the elderly and those with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to complications. of the flu, "she said.

In addition, the historic number of hospitalizations, deaths and illnesses in children the latest flu season has prompted many people to rethink the vaccination this time around, reported The Journal News / lohud.

About one in five people who had not yet had an influenza vaccine said that the devastating season prepared them to join the ranks of vaccinated Americans.

Influenza activity is usually highest between December and February, but can last until May. An influenza vaccine now provides all-season protection and can prevent illness or reduce the severity of flu symptoms, Amler said. The vaccine becomes fully effective after about two weeks.

Here are some of Amler's tips for limiting the spread of the disease in this influenza season:

  • Anyone who has a respiratory infection should cough or sneeze into the elbow.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Stay at home until 24 hours after the end of fever to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Regularly clean surfaces touched by sick people, such as door handles, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.
  • Take a lot of rest.

Read or share this story: http://www.lohud.com/story/news/health/2018/10/10/flu-clinics-set-westchester-rockland-what-know-get-shot/1588966002/