Rockland Offers Flu Vaccines: Here's When, Where

NEW CITY, NY — Flu season has started, and the Rockland County Health Department is offering flu vaccines for residents.

For senior citizens, there will be seven clinics in October. For anyone in the county over 6 months old, health officials will be offering flu shots at Healthy Haverstraw Family Day, from 1–5 p.m. Sunday at the Haverstraw Center, 50 West Broad St. in Haverstraw.

"Getting the flu vaccine is the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against having the flu. Flu season peaks in January or February and can last until May. Getting a flu shot now offers protection for you through the holidays, and for the rest of the flu season," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

At Healthy Haverstraw Family Day, no appointments are needed.

The vaccine is free of charge if you:

• are 65 years and older (please bring identification with proof of age)
• have Medicare or Medicaid (please bring your card)
• are uninsured or underinsured

There is a $20 fee for those 6 months through 64 years old. Cash or checks will be accepted. For those with private health insurance, we will provide you with a receipt to submit to your health insurance for possible reimbursement.

In addition, the Health Department, along with the Rockland County Office for the Aging, and Montefiore Nyack Hospital, have coordinated seven October flu vaccine clinics, offering the quadrivalent flu vaccine supplied by the Health Department, ONLY to residents 65 years and older.

These shots are free of charge and all clinics are run by Montefiore Nyack Hospital (845) 348-2004.

• Tuesday, October 15, from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, at Middlewood Senior Complex, 80 North Middletown Road, Nanuet, NY, 10954.
• Wednesday, October 16, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am, at Dowling Gardens Senior Complex, 190 Kings Highway, Sparkill, NY, 10976.
• Thursday, October 17, from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, at JCC of Rockland, 450 W Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.
• Monday, October 21, from 9:00 am - 10:30 am, at Haverstraw Seniors, Knights of Columbus, 56 West Broad Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927.
• Monday, October 21, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at Nanuet II Seniors, Pascack Community Center, 87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.
• Tuesday, October 22, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, at Congers II Seniors, Congers Community Center, 8 Gilchrest Road, Congers, NY 10920.
• Wednesday, October 23, from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, at West Nyack II Seniors, Pascack Community Center, 87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.

Ruppert and County Executive Ed Day pointed out in the announcement that flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

The Health Department is giving the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which does not contain preservatives, including thimerosal. The vaccine is called quadrivalent because it offers protection against four different flu virus strains that research shows will be most common during this flu season: two influenza (flu) A virus strains and two influenza B virus strains. It is recommended that you wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated so you can be observed for any reaction.

Go online for more information about the flu and flu vaccine clinics or call (845) 364-2534 or (845) 364-2997.