Get Your Flu Shot, Stamford Officials Say

STAMFORD, CT — With the beginning of flu season approaching next month, the city of Stamford is urging residents to get their flu shots to protect themselves and others.

A kick-off event for the city's flu shot program was held on Tuesday morning at the Henry Street clinic location in the South End. Mayor David Martin was joined by Department of Health and Stamford Health officials to help spread the word about the importance of getting a flu shot.

"Vaccines are one of the greatest scientific advancements that our species has ever made. It has probably saved more lives than anything with maybe the possible exception of antibiotics," said Martin right before he took his jab to the left arm. "[These vaccines] not only reduce the severity of the disease if we should get it, but they also reduce the chances we get the disease and therefore we don't pass it along. It's something we do not for ourselves but for our families and our fellow citizens."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza has resulted in 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010. Deaths and hospitalizations dropped last year due to masking, more hand washing, and social distancing.

Dr. Asha Shah, the head of infectious diseases at Stamford Health, said it's unclear what will happen this flu season, which typically runs from October through May. But the State of CT Department of Health has predicted that the flu season could be more active than last year.

"There's no kind of immunity in the population, but it remains to be seen," Shah said. "As we know, Stamford residents and our community are very good at continuing to mask indoors and social distancing and washing our hands. We're going to continue to do that for COVID, and we're going to continue to do that to prevent the flu."

This year's flu vaccine is quadrivalent, meaning it's designed to protect against four different flu viruses. Shah said that the shot is recommended for those six months and older, and that there are various formulations depending on age.

The CDC has issued guidance stating that it's safe for an individual to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine on the same day.

Dr. Henry Yoon, the city's medical advisor, assured residents that both are safe to get.

"They're two different vaccines for different viruses and variants. I would encourage everyone to get the flu shot to minimize the risk of getting sick from the flu," he said. "I know people are going to be concerned about getting another vaccine, but hopefully they believe me when I tell them it's safe."

With so much attention on COVID-19, Yoon said it's important to remember that the flu still exists.

"I know COVID has really been on the forefront of everyone's mind, so we have to make more of an effort to highlight the flu as well," he added. "Every additional COVID infection or flu infection is another opportunity to spread the disease, and there's another opportunity to mutate."

Flu clinics for the public will be held on Oct. 16 and Jan. 22 at the Stamford Government Center located at 888 Washington Blvd. Walk-ins will be welcome. Clinics will also be held in September for town employees.

The public can also get flu shots at the Henry street clinic every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and scheduled appointments can be made.

Flu shots will also be available at local pharmacies and primary care providers.

More information is expected to be posted on the Department of Health page on the city website.