Community members joined Stamford Mayor David Martin today at the Stamford Government Center to launch the Stamford Hospital and City of Stamford Department of Health and Social Services’ 17th annual “Fight the Flu” campaign.
“We never quite know when the flu is going to hit our community each year or how long it will linger, so in order to prevent contracting the flu virus or infecting others, residents should really obtain a flu shot as soon as it’s available,” said Michael Parry, MD, the Thomas J. Bradsell Chair of Infectious Diseases at Stamford Hospital.
The flu is a contagious respiratory condition caused by influenza viruses that can vary in severity. Generally the flu is characterized by symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough, which generally differs it from a common cold. The flu has a higher risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, for certain populations including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and people 65 years and older.The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.
“Flu symptoms can present up to four days after a person has been infected with the virus so it is possible pass the flu to someone else, up to six feet away, even before knowing they are sick,” said Anne Fountain, Director of Health and Social Services for the City of Stamford. “You can help minimize the spread of the flu by getting vaccinated, avoiding contact with those you know have the flu, staying home from work or school if you are sick, regularly washing hands with soap and water and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.”
Stamford Hospital and the City of Stamford are again offering vaccination clinics this year:
Stamford Government Center Lobby: 888 Washington Blvd.
Tuesday, September 22: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursdays, September 24 – November 5: 12 noon – 3 p.m.
Stamford Hospital’s Tully Health Center: 32 Strawberry Hill Ct.
Thursdays, September 24 – October 8: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mondays, September 28 – October 12: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This year both sites will be offering the quadrivalent vaccine. All vaccines are single-dose, and preservative and latex free. Vaccines also available at the Tully Center include nasal Flumist, as well as the high-potency vaccine option for people 65 years of age and older. The cost for the quadrivalent flu shot and Flumist is $40. The high-potency shot is available for $50. Primary Medicare Part B is the only form of insurance accepted. Cash or check is accepted for those not covered.
For more information, please call Stamford Hospital’s flu hotline at (203) 276-4948.