Americares, Walgreens offering free flu shots
Americares Free Clinics and Walgreens are offering free flu shots to qualifying patients in October. Now in its fifth year, the collaboration annually vaccinates nearly 1,000 Fairfield County residents who cannot afford a flu shot.
“By providing free flu shots to qualifying patients, we can help prevent the spread of influenza in vulnerable communities,” said Americares Free Clinics Director of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach Terri McCartney in a news release.
The flu shots will be available to eligible residents age 18 and older during walkin clinics scheduled throughout October at the Americares Free Clinics in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford. Immunizations will be administered by Walgreens pharmacists, and offered on a firstcome, firstserve basis while supplies last.
The annual AmericaresWalgreens flu clinic collaboration is part of a national program organized by Walgreens to make the flu vaccine available to those without health insurance coverage or for those who are unable to afford a flu shot.
The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. Seasonal influenza can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and even death.
Last year, in Connecticut alone, the state Department of Public Health reported at least 10,213 people tested positive for the flu and at least 78 deaths were linked to the illness.