Putnam County Flu Clinic Dec. 6

Brewster, NY – With cases of flu being reported sporadically across the state, including Putnam County, the Department of Health is hosting a public flu vaccination clinic Dec. 6.

The clinic will take place during National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of flu vaccination.

The clinic hours will be 2-6:30 p.m., at the main health department office at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster. No appointments are necessary. Any Putnam County resident 18 years and older is eligible to receive flu vaccine at this clinic. The fee, covering vaccine cost and administration, is $25.

There is no fee for those over age 65 or with a Medicare card. High-dose flu vaccine will be available for residents 65 years and older, which studies have shown appears more effective in fighting flu in seniors. The nasal spray flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine will not be available at this clinic.

“If you have not yet received your flu shot, it is important to do so as soon as possible,” said Interim Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, M.D. in announcing the clinic. “It takes about two weeks after receiving vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies your body needs in order to provide protection against the flu.”

In the United States, flu activity is usually highest between December and February, but cases may linger into late spring. With flu activity starting to increase and family and friends gathering for the holidays, flu vaccination is the best tool to protect yourself and your loved ones from this illness, health officials said.

So far this year more than 3,500 flu vaccinations have been given by the PCDOH; 2421 of these were administered in the schools. The more individuals who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

For questions concerning flu vaccination or in the event of inclement weather, please call the Health Department at (845) 808-1390.