Free Flu Shots Available To Westchester Residents

From Westchester County Executive: County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that free flu shots are still available every Friday by appointment at the Westchester County Department of Health clinics in White Plains or Yonkers.

“Flu activity is widespread statewide now, so I encourage residents to get a free flu shot to protect themselves and their families,” Astorino said. “It’s not too late.’’

While supplies last, flu vaccine is available for children and adults, and is recommended for everyone age six months and up. To make a free flu shot appointment with the county health department, call (914) 995-5800. Since flu season began on Oct. 1, the health department has given out more than 1,000 flu shots. Flu vaccine also is widely available at pharmacies, supermarkets and medical offices.

“Flu season usually increases in the new year and can last well into the spring, so getting a flu shot now is still very beneficial,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “If you do become ill, do yourself, your coworkers and your friends a favor and stay home to avoid spreading your germs. Most people will recover on their own from the flu with no need to go to a doctor’s office.”

To prevent spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do get a respiratory infection, 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.

“It’s also important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating and after using the toilet or blowing your nose and to cough into your sleeve,” Amler said.

The flu shot provides safe protection from a virus that can turn deadly. Each year in the U.S., 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu. This translates into the potential for about 100 to 125 flu-related deaths per year in Westchester’s population.

For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/health, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept, follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or call us at (914) 813-5000.

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