Norwalk Health Department To Hold Extra Flu Clinic This Week

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Health Department will hold an extra flu clinic at its offices (137 East Avenue) on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

As flu season intensifies here in Connecticut, the Health Department urges residents to get their flu shot, according to a release.

“If you have not had the opportunity yet to get your flu shot this year, please visit our clinic this Thursday,” Norwalk Director of Health Deanna D’Amore said in a release. “It is not too late to protect yourself and your family members. The vaccine can prevent the flu and also lessen the severity of symptoms for those who do get sick.”

Flu shots at the Health Department are free for those with Medicare Part B, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, ConnectiCare and United. Please bring all your insurance cards with you, otherwise standard flu shots cost $25 per person and high-dose shots (an option for patients 65 and older) cost $50.

Health officials said no one will be turned away, regardless of their ability to pay. If you can’t make it to the Thursday's clinic, you can also attend the Health Department’s regular walk-in hours Tuesday's from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. while supplies last.

The flu vaccine protects against seasonal and H1N1 flu, and everyone older than six months is encouraged to be vaccinated. In addition to getting a flu shot, residents can take other steps to stay healthy this year:

Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Seek care early. See your healthcare provider immediately if you develop flu symptoms. Antiviral medications can help if taken early in the illness.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Anyone with questions about getting their flu shot is asked to call the Health Department at 203-854-7776.

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