Area flu clinics announced

MIDDLETOWN — The regional health departments will offer flu clinics in Greater Middletown starting in October, according to a release.

“The clinics will offer the highly effective Flublok vaccine,” officials said in the release. “The Flublok is stronger than traditional vaccines and does not contain eggs, preservatives, or harsh chemicals including thimerosal (a mercury derivative).”

Health officials are hoping that better vaccination rates this year will help avoid a repeat of last season’s widespread and deadly flu activity in Connecticut and other regions of this country, they said in the release. Officials emphasize that the best way to protect yourself and others from becoming ill with the flu is to get vaccinated every year because viruses change over time.

The schedule of clinics will be:

Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Fire District, 445 Randolph Road, Middletown

Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Gymnasium, 41 West St., Cromwell

Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westfield Fire Department, 653 East St., Middletown

Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chamber, 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown

Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Center, 405 Main St., Middlefield

Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the City Hall Foyer, 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown

Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Activity Center (2nd floor), 350 Main St., Durham

In order to receive a flu shot, participants must be at least 4 years old and in good health. Participants should bring a valid form of identification and insurance card (co-payment is not required). Those without insurance may be eligible to receive a flu shot at no cost.

The vaccine will be given on a first-come, first-served basis (appointments will not be taken). Residency is not required. Anyone over 18 will be offered Flublok vaccine. Participants under 18 will receive traditional influenza vaccine. Both vaccines will be administered by injection only. Nasal mist will not be available, according to the release.

Participants can download and complete the Immunization Consent Form online at cromwellct.gov, townofdurhamct.org, middlefieldct.org or middletownct.gov.

Anyone with questions should call 860-632-3426 (Cromwell); 860-349-8253 (Durham); 860-349-7123 (Middlefield) or 860- 6384962 (Middletown).