Nassau County, SNCH To Offer Free Flu Shots This Week

In order to help residents combat the flu epidemic that has been sweeping the nation, Nassau County is teaming up with South Nassau Communities Hospital to offer free flu shots this week in Oceanside and Long Beach.

The shots will be available on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at South Nassau's Family Medicine Centers, located at 196 Merrick Road in Oceanside and at 761 Franklin Blvd. in Long Beach.

The flu shots are only for adults and children who have not had a flu vaccination this year and will be provided while supplies last. There is no need to schedule an appointment. There is no out-of pocket cost, and no one will be turned away if they don’t have insurance.

“The flu shot is considered the single best preventive method against the flu,” said Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, South Nassau’s department of medicine chair and hospital epidemiologist, who also is a spokesman for the Infectious Disease Society of America. “The vaccine may not be 100 percent effective, but it will help reduce the severity of the flu and its symptoms. Considering the high prevalence of the flu and the fact that it will carry on into April, if you haven’t been vaccinated, yet, please do so; it is never too late to get vaccinated.”

The flu is widespread on Long Island, according to recent statistics by both Nassau and Suffolk county health departments. This year’s flu season has been particularly severe, inflicting hundreds of adults and children statewide. As of Feb. 10, more than 14,300 people had been hospitalized across the state with confirmed cases of the flu. In an attempt to keep local residents healthy and avoid the flu, Nassau County has sponsored three clinics for residents to receive free flu shots. This will be the fourth free clinic offered by the county and its first partnership with a health care institution.

“The message remains that it is not too late to get your flu shot,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “We are happy to partner with South Nassau Communities Hospital to provide additional vaccines and bolster the hospital’s supply.”

Photo: South Nassau Communities Hospital