Health Department Schedules Three Flu Clinics; First Set for September 22
Skilled and experienced nurses at the Putnam County Department of Health are ready to administer countless flu vaccinations this season at three fall flu clinics. Getting vaccinated as early as possible has advantages since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop and provide protection. The first flu vaccination clinic is Monday, September 22 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Carmel Fire Department, Route 52 and Vink Drive in Carmel. A second clinic will be held at the Garrison Fire Department, 1616 Route 9, on Wednesday, October 8 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; a third is scheduled at the Carmel Fire Department on Monday, October 20, again from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please check the flu hot line, 845-808-1390, on clinic day to confirm.
The clinics are open to all Putnam County residents 18 years of age and older. The fee for flu vaccine is $25 for residents under 60 years of age. Those 60 years and older, or with a Medicare card, can receive the vaccine free of charge. High-dose flu vaccine is being offered for seniors, aged 65 years and older (as studies show this vaccine is more effective for this population). Pneumonia vaccine will also be available free for residents 65 years and older. Younger residents who are smokers or have a history of asthma are at risk for pneumonia and should be vaccinated. A $75 fee and proof of residency (driver’s license) are required.
Appointments are not necessary, but a signed consent form is required. Forms will be available online at the Putnam County website. In order to streamline the onsite process, people are encouraged to download the forms, complete them and bring them to the clinic. Forms will also be available at the clinic.
Flu vaccination will also be offered by the Health Department in all school districts this fall for students and staff. Check your school calendar or the school nurse for details.
The Health Department’s mission is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com ; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.
