It's Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Vaccination

Flu season is upon us. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year. Flu vaccinations can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school days. It can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The Trumbull Health Department has Quadrivalent Flu shots available on a walk-in basis. The Health Department accepts: Aetna, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Anthem Blue Card POS Plan, Anthem Blue Care Plan, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna HMO, Cigna Open Access, Cigna PPO, ConnectiCare - Commercial, ConnectiCare Exchange/CBI, Connecticare VIP Medicare, Medicare Part B, and United Healthcare-Oxford. For those without the above insurance, the cost is $30 (cash/check) for Standard Flu Vaccine. Minors must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian to receive vaccine. Please bring your insurance card and driver’s license to the Health Department (a photocopy is acceptable). Call the Trumbull Health Department at 203-452-1030 for walk-in hours.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has seen a rapid increase of influenza cases in Connecticut since mid-December and has contributed to the deaths of three individuals in Connecticut over the age of 65. As of December 16, 2017, 355 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in Connecticut, an increase of 100 cases of influenza, including 46 new hospitalizations between December 9th and December 16th. Overall, the most prevalent strain of influenza seen in Connecticut thus far this season is Influenza A (H3N2), which typically causes more severe illness than other flu strains.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated. Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe illness. People at high risk include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, those 65 years and older, health care works, and other people who live with or care for high risk individuals.

Protect yourself and the people around you this flu season:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

- Stay home if you feel sick.

- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

- Get your flu shot.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated! Call the Health Department for a schedule of walk-in hours at 203-452-1030.

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The Trumbull Health Department is committed to improving the quality of life for all it serves through the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and by assuring a safe and clean environment for our residents. For more information about the Trumbull Health Department call 203-452-1030 or visit trumbull-ct.gov/THD.