Health & Fitness

Where To Find Flu Shots In NYC

It's time to get vaccinated against the illness.

NEW YORK, NY – It’s once again time to get yourself and your family vaccinated against the flu. As the 2018-19 flu season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has started reminding the public to get flu shots.

The CDC’s recommendations state that everyone six months or older should get a flu vaccine annually. Experts say it's needed every year because:

  • The body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time
  • Flu viruses are constantly changing

The vaccine takes about two weeks to go into effect. The shot can keep people from getting sick with the flu and it is shown to reduce the severity of illness in those who get vaccinated but still get sick. For children, the CDC says the vaccine can be life-saving and reduces the risk for hospitalization.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

People should ideally get their flu shots by the end of October but the vaccine continues to be offered as long as the illness is circulating and vaccines are available. The CDC also reiterates that it is still worthwhile to get the vaccine after October.

Children who require two doses of the vaccine should start the process sooner rather than later because the two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart, the CDC says. Children under six months are too young to get the flu shot.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The CDC also provides guidance for those who shouldn’t get a flu shot as well as for people who should talk to their doctors before getting a flu shot. The agency also has resources on special considerations regarding egg allergies and the flu shot.

To find a clinic near you offering the flu vaccine, you can enter your zip code or city below:

>>> Read more on the CDC’s flu vaccine recommendations here.

Reported by Feroze Dhanoa/Patch

Lead image via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.