North Andover's Free Family Flu Clinic Tuesday

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — While there isn’t an official start or end to flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people get vaccinated by the end of October. The town of North Andover has a number of clinics planned, and as always you can get your vaccine at local retail pharmacies.

Board of Health Clinics
The Board of Health asks residents to bring insurance cards to the clinic. Their last two scheduled clinics are this week.

North Andover High School Family Flu Clinic
Ages 4 and older (including High Dose for 65+)
Address: 430 Osgood St, North Andover, MA 01845
Tuesday November 12th from 5-7pm

North Andover Senior Center
Ages 19 and older (including High Dose for 65+)
Address: 120 R Main St, North Andover, MA 01845
Thursday Nov. 14th 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Stop & Shop Pharmacy

Address: 757 Turnpike Street, N Andover, MA 01845
Hours Open: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CVS/Pharmacy
Address: 110 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845
Hours Open: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Walgreens
Address: 800 Waverley Rd, North Andover, MA 01845
Hours Open: Daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CVS/Pharmacy
Address: 109 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845
Hours Open: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The CDC also has a special message for younger kids: “Children 6 months through 8 years of age who need 2 doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available to allow the second dose to be received by the end of October,” according to the CDC’s official page.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization or even death.

Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

The CDC estimates that 48 million people were hit by the flu in the United States in 2017-2018. The disease accounted for a staggering 959,000 hospitalizations, and 79,400 deaths during that time frame.

To minimize your risk of contracting the flu, follow these three simple steps:

1. Get a flu vaccine. It’s the best way to fight the flu!
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness.