Nassau County To Offer Free Flu Shots

As flu infections continue to surge in New York, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced on Friday that the county would be offering free flu shots to residents in the coming days to help combat the epidemic.

This year's flu season has been unlike any in recent years, with thousands of people contracting the virus. Three children in New York have died from it. Last week alone, Nassau County had 832 new confirmed cases of the flu.

“We want to thank Governor Cuomo for making the decision to declare a public health emergency,” said Curran. “The declaration will provide funding for the county and allow additional locations for flu vaccinations. Nassau County will take all measures to protect health by assuring that all residents have access to the flu vaccine.”

Nassau County Department of Health will be providing free flu shots on the following dates:

• Saturday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola
• Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nassau County Department of Health WIC Office, 160 N. Franklin St., Hempstead
• Thursday, Feb. 15 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Yes We Can Community Center, 141 Garden Street, Westbury

In addition to getting the flu shot, there are things you can do to help prevent the spread of the disease:

• If you're sick, don't go out and limit your contact with others. If you have flu-like symptoms, the CDC says you should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, except for medical care.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

“Even though the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, vaccinated individuals who contract the illness will usually have a milder course and are less likely to be hospitalized or die from flu-related complications,” said Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, the county health commissioner. “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves, but those around them, including people at high risk for serious complications, like babies, pregnant women, older adults and those with certain chronic medical conditions.”

For more information about the free flu vaccination clinics, call the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9697. More information is also available by visiting the Nassau County Department of Health website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health.

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