By Liz Spurrell-Huss, LCSW, MPH, Community and Population Health, Montefiore Health System
HEALTH NEWS- Montefiore is collaborating with Walgreens and Duane Reade to help the community fight flu!
This year, we aim to help everyone who wants the flu shot, specifically targeting neighborhoods and communities that have higher numbers of flu-related emergency room visits at Montefiore hospitals. Our strategy is to target areas of need, and reach those at highest risk for flu, including young children, people over 65 years old, and those who have weak immune systems and/or are living with a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, and/or heart disease.
The flu vaccine is covered by insurance, often at no cost to the patient depending on where it is administered. At these community flu clinics, Walgreens/Duane Reade is able to provide the vaccine at no cost to the patient, whether they are insured or not.
When more people in the community get their flu shot we can protect the most vulnerable community members who are not able to get vaccinated and for whom the flu is very dangerous.
In case you need more reasons to get the flu shot, here are my top 5:
• The flu shot does not cause the flu. However, it could take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.
• It can save you sick days. More than 100 million workdays are missed due to flu every year!
• You can spread the flu if you're feeling good. Twenty to 30 percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.
• The flu vaccine is covered by insurance, often at no cost depending on where it is administered.
• The flu vaccine is the most effective tool we have against flu
If you would like to learn more or find a clinic near you, please refer to the schedule below or call (347) 418-4740.
• Tuesday, October 4, 1 pm - 3 pm at RAIN Boston Road, 2424 Boston Road, Bronx, New York 10467
• Wednesday, October 5, 10 am - 12 pm at RAIN Boston Secor, 3540 Bivona Street, Bronx, New York 10467
• Thursday, October 6, 10 am - 1 pm at Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Avenue South Bronx, New York, 10471
• Sunday, October 9, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Harvest Fields Community Church, 2626 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461
• Tuesday, October 11, 10 am - 12 pm at JASA Bay Eden 1150 229th Street, Bronx, New York 10466
• Tuesday, October 11, 12 pm - 3 pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 3911 Barnes Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10469
• Sunday, October 12, 10:30 am - 1 pm at RAIN Eastchester, 1446 Burke Avenue, Bronx, New York 10469
• Saturday October 15, 2 pm to 5 pm at Aisling Irish Community Center, 990 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704
• Thursday, October 27, 10 am to 1 pm at Riverdale YMCA, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx New York 10471
• Sunday, November 20, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, 1510 Adee Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10469