01/24/2018
DPH Announces Free Flu Vaccines Available at Clinics Across the State
HARTFORD - In effort to protect the public’s health and reduce the spread of the influenza (flu) virus which has heavily affected the state, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is teaming up with local health departments to provide free/low cost influenza vaccine at several locations across the state on Saturday, January 27th. DPH strongly encourages all Connecticut residents over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot.
“For those Connecticut residents who haven’t yet received a flu shot, we hope they will take advantage of these flu clinics,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “It is not too late to get protection from the flu this season.”
The schedule and locations of Flu Clinics on Saturday, January 27th can be found on the DPH website.
Vaccine administered to children 18 years of age and younger will be made available free of charge. Vaccine for children comes from the Connecticut Vaccine Program. Managed by DPH, this program provides influenza vaccine free of charge for all children 6 months through 18 years of age. Adult vaccine will be provided at no cost to those without insurance. Residents with insurance should bring their card and will be charged a small administrative fee, but will not be charged out of pocket for the vaccine.
State health officials say flu activity in Connecticut continues to increase. As of January 13th, over 1,342 people have tested positive for the flu so far this season, and 615 have been hospitalized with the illness. There have also been 21 flu-related deaths so far this season. For the most recent information about influenza activity in Connecticut, please see the DPH weekly influenza update.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that is spread through the air and by direct contact with respiratory droplets. Typical symptoms of the flu include sudden fever, aching muscles, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, headache, and eye pain. While anyone, particularly individuals who are not vaccinated, can contract the flu, the illness is especially dangerous for certain groups, including: people aged 65 and older; children younger than 2 years old; people of any age with chronic medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or lung disease; and pregnant women.