Free Flu Shots Offered for Uninsured in Danbury

AmeriCares and Walgreens are offering flu shots in four Connecticut cities to help keep the uninsured healthy this winter, according to a press release. Flu shots will be available at no cost for eligible residents over the age of 18 without health insurance.

Walk-in clinics are scheduled for September and October in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford, the release says. Immunizations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and administered by a Walgreens pharmacist at the AmeriCares Free Clinics.

Participants cannot have any health insurance, including Medicaid, the release says.

“The flu is miserable for everyone, but can be even more costly for those who have to miss work as a result of flu-related illness,” AmeriCares Free Clinics Executive Director Karen Gottlieb said. “Together with Walgreens we can help more of our Connecticut residents and communities stay healthy this winter.”

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated by October, the release says. Seasonal influenza can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and even death.

Young children, the elderly and adults with underlying medical conditions are most at risk, the release says. The flu vaccine prevented approximately 7.2 million illnesses and 90,000 flu-related hospitalizations in the 2013-2014 flu season, according to the CDC.

Flu Clinic Locations, Dates and Times

Norwalk

• Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bob Macauley AmeriCares Free Clinic in the South Norwalk Community Center at 98 South Main St.

Stamford

• Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Neighbors Link, located at 75 Selleck St.
• Monday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Neighbors Link, located at 75 Selleck St.

Danbury

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Boehringer Ingelheim AmeriCares Free Clinic at 76 West St.

Bridgeport

• Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Weisman AmeriCares Free Clinic, located at 115 Highland Ave.

For more information on the flu clinics call 203-658-9500.