Flu Shots Offered

The City of West Haven will be offering an expanded Flu Shot clinic, as well as Pneumonia immunizations for the elderly. I'm not certain of the funding source, but as this is being conducted through the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association, and that medical co-pays are being accepted, I suspect that this is not costing West Haven anything except for having a place for the event to take place - kudos to the town for holding this.

Here's the announcement as it appeared in the City Notes:

Flu Shot Information
FYI

Health Department expands flu vaccination program

This year, there should be no problems with the national supply of influenza vaccine, according to city Health Director Eric Triffin.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 20 million more doses of the flu vaccine will be available this year than last, bringing the national stockpile to 100 million doses.

“We therefore have an opportunity to immunize people who were not in previously targeted risk groups, including the elderly and high-risk patients,” Triffin said.

With the help of the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association, the city Department of Health will make flu vaccine available to anyone at its regular senior clinics and its new Family Flu Clinic – Flu is no Fun Day. The family clinic offers vaccine to the newly expanded target group of children 6 to 59 months old and any interested family members.

“This will give everyone a way to reduce their risk, especially since children are the likeliest ones to spread the flu to others, and the vaccine is most effective the younger you are,” Triffin said.

Since up to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu every year, with 200,000 hospitalized and 36,000 deaths, it is a serious illness, but one that is preventable.

Triffin said that everyone, especially employers, should see the value in protecting themselves and their employees from the flu to reduce absenteeism.

For those 65 and older, the department will also make pneumonia vaccine available.

“This vaccine will help prevent or reduce the difficulties from almost a dozen of the two dozen types of pneumonia out there,” Triffin said. “However, this is not a yearly shot; it is usually only required once after the age of 65.”

As the winter season comes along, making flu, pneumonia and colds more likely, Triffin encourages people to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing when out in public.

“There are many steps we can take to put a barrier between germs and ourselves,” said Triffin, “and keeping our hands clean and away from our faces where the nose, eyes and ears can become doorways into our bodies makes a huge difference.”

The walk-in flu clinics, for residents 55 and older, are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 for residents whose last names begin with the letters A to K and from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 for those whose last names start with the letters L to Z. Both clinics will take place at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

The Family Flu Clinic – Flu is no Fun Day is slated from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in the basement of City Hall, 355 Main St.

The shots at all clinics are free, or require a co-payment fee, for residents with Medicare Part B, Anthem Blue Cross, HealthNet, Oxford and ConnectiCare health care plans.

The cost is $33 for anyone else. Residents must show proof of insurance or pay by cash or check.

Said Triffin: “We look forward to this greatly expanded program this year and to protecting the people of West Haven from influenza through these efforts. We will also keep some vaccines available if none of these dates are good for you and make arrangements about that if need be after these dates.”

For more details, call the Health Department at 937-3660.