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Greenwich Prepares For Flu Immunization Season

GREENWICH, Conn. -- The Department of Health is encouraging Greenwich residents to get their flu vaccines in time for the colder months ahead. 

The Greenwich Department of Health is hosting flu shot clinics throughout the month of October.

The Greenwich Department of Health is hosting flu shot clinics throughout the month of October.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Flickr User NHSE

The clinics in Greenwich begin with the Senior Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and continue at Greenwich Town Hall on Oct. 10, the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center on Oct. 17, the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center on Oct. 24 and conclude at Greenwich Town Hall on Oct. 29.

On average, more than 226,000 people are hospitalized annually, which includes 20,000 children under the age of 5, according to a press release from the Department of Health. In addition, about 24,000 people die from complications of the flu yearly, according to the release. 

"To ensure proper protection from the seasonal flu virus, which can begin to circulate early in the fall, the Department of Health has scheduled immunization clinics throughout the month of October," representatives said in the release. 

Department clinics are offering vaccines for kids ages 9 and younger and the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine made for people over 65 will also be offered at clinics, according to the release. 

“Getting vaccinated for seasonal influenza is the best way to provide protection against circulating influenza viruses," said Director of Health Caroline C. Baisley in the release. "The traditional flu season begins early October and runs through May in most years and sustained influenza transmission is usually not seen before January or later. However, last year the influenza season came early with many cases of flu being reported in December."

Baisley added that the Department of Health "is committed to working with medical providers in an effort to provide influenza vaccine in the community, especially to those at increased risk for severe complications from influenza.”

During the influenza season, the public is encouraged to call the Department of Health flu information hotline for up-to-date information at 203-622-3774, or visit the Department’s website.

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