February Fridays: Free Flu Vaccine Clinics

With more snowfall in the forecast this upcoming weekend, winter is definitely not over yet. Those that haven’t gotten their flu shots yet, may think it’s too late, but it’s not. The Rockland County Department of Health is offering free flu vaccine clinics every Friday in February.

“If you've been thinking about getting a flu vaccine, now is a very good time to do so—it’s not too late!” said Dr. Joan H. Facelle, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as April or May. Get your flu vaccine now—it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu.”

Flu activity is increasing in the area and there’s still plenty of flu vaccine available. Those nine years old and older should take advantage of these clinics. Stop by Building D Nursing Conference Room at the Robert L. Yeager Health Center at 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona between 2-4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.  For more information call (845) 364-2997.

Anyone can get the flu, but there's greater risk in some people for serious flu-related complications. Complications like pneumonia can lead to hospitalization and even death. Those at greater risk include:

• Children younger than 5-years-old and especially children younger than 2 -years-old
• Pregnant women
• People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) or heart and lung disease
• People 65 years and older
• Those that care for anyone in one or more of these high risk groups or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.

The Rockland Department of Health also released these good health habits:

• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• stay home when you are sick
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• wash your hands often
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• get plenty of sleep
• be physically active
• manage your stress
• drink plenty of fluids
• eat nutritious food.

For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine visit www.rocklandgov.com/health and click on the flu icon.