Braintree Hosts Seasonal Flu Clinic

BRAINTREE, MA — The Braintree Health Department will host a walk-in flu clinic this coming weekend, town officials announced.

The clinic is scheduled for Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cahill Auditorium at Town Hall. Vaccinations are free for people 18-years-old and older, and for school children in grades five through 12, officials said.

The vaccine will be administered on a first come first served basis, officials said. Participants are requested to bring their health insurance card.

As is typical, healthcare professionals recommend getting the flu vaccine in September or October if you are 6 months and older.

“Getting your annual flu shot should be at the top of your fall to-do list because vaccination is the best way to decrease the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from the flu especially if you are older, very young, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission.

“If you are at higher risk and develop flu symptoms, reach out to your health care provider. Treatment may be available. ”

As for what flu season may look like in 2023-2024, it's possible the country could see another early spike.

Infectious disease epidemiologist David Dowdy, who is also a professor in Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins, said in a recent interview that it's "a bit more likely" an early flu season will happen because last year's season was pushed forward.

For more information on the Braintree clinic, click here.