Flu Vaccine Clinics Coming Up In Wethersfield

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Central Connecticut Health District will hold drive-thru flu vaccination clinics in Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield next month. The clinics are by appointment only and must be scheduled online.

To book an appointment today, please visit: https://www.ccthd.org/vaccineportal. If you need scheduling assistance, call (860) 785-8380 x 216 and leave a voice mail.

Clinic locations and addresses are provided upon registration. Bring proof of your appointment and insurance card when going to the clinic. Note that those without insurance will be charged $25; however, no patient will be denied vaccination for inability to pay.

The flu vaccine clinics will be at the following dates and times:

Berlin: Oct. 13, 2 to 6 p.m.; Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Newington: Oct. 6, 2 to 6 p.m.; Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rocky Hill: Oct. 5, 2 to 6 p.m.; Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wethersfield: Oct. 7 2 to 6 p.m.; Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be a special family/pediatric clinic Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that can result in mild to severe illness potentially requiring hospitalization and can lead to death, according to a statement from the district.

In the United States, the CDC estimates that influenza has resulted between 9.2 million - 35.6 million illnesses, between 140,000 - 710,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 - 56,000 deaths annually since 2010.

The district also noted that flu and COVID-19 have the possibility to "synergize this fall/winter."

"Data suggests flu vaccination may protect against severe COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of emergency department (ED) / intensive care unit (ICU) admissions," according to the district statement. "According to findings presented at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases conference, COVID-19 patients whom had not received flu vaccination were 45-58% more likely to have a stroke, about 40% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 36-45% more likely to have sepsis. Vaccination is the primary method to provide systemic immunity, thus CCHD strongly urges all Connecticut residents to vaccinate against both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses."