Westchester Offering Free Flu Shots By Appointment During December

WHITE PLAINS, NY — It’s flu season, and the Westchester County Department of Health is offering free flu shots by appointment during December to encourage residents to stay healthy.

Flu shots will be given for ages 3 and up from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 20.

The shots will be administered in the Community Room at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larking Center.

Appointments are highly encouraged and can be made through this link.

Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last.

Flu shots will also be given at the Health Department clinics to residents ages 6 months and older by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays in Yonkers and Fridays in White Plains.

For appointments at the Health Department clinics, go here.

You can also find a flu shot near you through this link.

Flu and other vaccines are also available at no charge for uninsured and underinsured adults and children through the Vaccines for Adults and Vaccines for Children programs at Health Department clinics. Call 914-995-5800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m. to discuss eligibility. To reach residents who have difficulty accessing flu shots, the Health Department is giving flu vaccines at some soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D., said, as the holidays approach, now is the best time for everyone 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot.

“Fully effective after two weeks, the vaccine will protect you and all your vulnerable family members and friends,” she said. “With new variants circulating, it is prudent to schedule both flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines for your whole family.”

Amler said that vaccination protects those around you who are more vulnerable to complications, such as infants too young to be vaccinated, seniors and people with chronic health conditions.

In the United States, medical experts said there are usually more flu cases between December and February, but flu can linger into May. One flu vaccine now provides protection all season long and can prevent illness or reduce the severity of flu symptoms.

Amler said that anyone who does get a respiratory infection should consider testing for COVID and/or influenza. To avoid spreading germs to others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends residents wear a mask, cough or sneeze into their elbow and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

Those with flu should stay home for 24 hours after their fever subsides. Those who test positive for COVID should stay home for five days to avoid spreading germs and then wear a mask in public for another five days.

In addition, clean surfaces that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones, and get plenty of rest.