Norwalk Health Department Announces 2026 Fall Flu Clinics

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Health Department announced this week its 2026 fall flu clinics schedule as part of its annual flu vaccination program to help residents get quick and easy access to their annual flu shot.

According to a news release provided by the department, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every flu season.

The department noted flu shots "are an important strategy to help us stay healthy during the respiratory virus season" and help reduce severe illness and hospitalization caused by the flu, as well as strengthen overall protection in the community.

"Every year, the flu sends thousands of people to the hospital, mostly folks who are unvaccinated, so a flu shot is your best protection," NHD Medical Director Katherine Golar said in a news release. "It takes about two weeks for your body to build its immune response and for the vaccine to have its full effect, so don't wait - get your flu vaccine early in the season so you can be fully protected when the flu really starts to spread."

The following NHD 2026 flu clinics will be held Thursdays at 137 East Avenue, according to the department:

• Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Oct. 1, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Oct. 8, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Oct. 15, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., starting Oct. 23, while supplies last.

Appointments are required for all clinics, which can be made here.

Anyone with questions about appointments can call (203) 854-7985.

According to the department, NHD offers the standard flu vaccine for anyone 3 years of age and older, as well as flu vaccines recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices for individuals ages 65 and older.

For children ages 6 months to 3 years old, residents can call (203) 854-7776 to make an individual appointment.

According to the department, flu shots are free with most insurance, and residents are asked to bring all their insurance cards with them to the flu clinic.

Otherwise, standard flu shots cost $50, and recombinant vaccine for anyone ages 9 and older and high-dose vaccine for anyone 65 and older cost $90, according to the department.

"No one will be turned away because they are unable to pay," the department's release reads.

According to the department, flu vaccine is available at no cost for eligible children through age 18 through the CT Vaccine Program, and this year the NHD will also have free vaccines available to uninsured or underinsured adults as part of the CT Department of Public Health Adult Flu Vaccine Pilot.

"Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to fight the flu, and eliminating cost as a barrier ensures that protection is accessible to everyone," Darleen Hoffler, supervisor of clinical service at the NHD, said in a news release. "This CT Adult Flu Vaccine program is an important step toward making certain that our community stays healthy this season."

In addition to staying up to date with flu and all recommended vaccines, the department recommended following these simple steps to stay healthy throughout the fall and winter months:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
• Stay home if you're feeling sick.
• Consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask in public, especially if you have symptoms and can't stay home or if you are around others with symptoms.

More information is available at flu.gov, norwalkct.gov/flu and norwalkct.gov/vaccines.