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Influenza (the "flu") is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Influenza viruses, which cause it, are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes or touches a surface handled by others. Some 226,000 people are hospitalized annually and about 24,000 people die from complications of the flu every year. The virus can range from fairly mild to very severe. So, your best protection against getting it is to be vaccinated. It takes up to two weeks after vaccination for protection to kick in for most adults.
(Only the injectable flu vaccination is available this year. The nasal spray version is not being offered.)
Below are Fairfield County locations where immunizations are scheduled. Check back for updates, as new locations and more details are expected.
Darien:
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 26, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Darien Senior Center.
Tuesday, Oct. 5, noon - 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 2, 3 - 7 p.m. at Darien Town Hall. The cost is $30. Medicare is accepted. Currently, anyone over 36 months is eligible to receive the vaccination.
Fairfield:
The Fairfield Health Department holds flu vaccination clinics for those age four and older, on Wednesday Sept. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace. No appointment is necessary. Medicare part B, Healthnet, Medicare and Anthem identification numbers beginning with "XG" are accepted.
Without insurance, the cost of the flu shot is $25. The required registration form can be completed in advance, by downloading it from the Town of Fairfield's website at http://www.fairfieldct.org/. Bring the completed form with you to the clinic. The form also will be available at the clinic. Vaccines are administered as an injection in the upper arm. Therefore, the clinic requests those coming for vaccinations wear clothing with loose fitting sleeves or short sleeves.
Greenwich:
Senior Health Fair: Tuesday, Oct. 5, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2 - 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2 - 6 p.m.
Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road, GreenwichTuesday, Oct. 26, 3 - 6 p.m.
Norwalk:
Norwalk Hospital offers seasonal flu vaccinations for adults only, on Saturday, Oct.30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the hospital's main lobby. The cost is $20 per person. Medicare will be billed directly for senior citizens. Others receive receipts to submit to their insurance companies. This is a walk-in flu program with no pre-registration and free parking.
Stamford:The City of Stamford and Stamford Hospital's "Fight the Flu Campaign" kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 28, in the Stamford Government Center lobby, 888 Washington Blvd., from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Vaccinations are offered to those 6 months and older. The cost is $30 per person.
Subsequently and until further notice, the flu vaccine will be offered through the season at the Government Center every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and every Thursday, noon - 2 p.m.
In addition, vaccinations are available in the Tully Health Center lobby, 32 Strawberry Hill Court, starting Friday, Oct. 1. They are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 - 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon.
People 65 and older can opt for a higher-potency vaccine. Its cost is $40. Both the regular and higher-potency vaccines are covered by Medicare part B. Those paying via Medicare should make sure to bring their insurance card.
For more information, call (203) 977-5652 or (203) 276-4948.
Westport/Weston:
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Westport Weston Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane.
Monday, Oct. 8, noon - 3 p.m. at Westport Town Hall;
Tuesday Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Weston Public Library.
Wednesday Nov. 11, 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Westport Senior Center
Tuesday Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Westport Public Library.
Contact Monica Wheeler at the WWHD for additional details, at (203) 227 9571 ext. 242.
Wilton:
Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County is administering flu shots to those age three and older. The cost is $38. For children under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. Medicare Part B, Aetna and Anthem are accepted (with cards).
Monday, Oct. 11 (Columbus Day) 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Comstock Community Center. Also, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 - 11 a.m. at the Wilton Family Y, and Friday, Nov. 26, 10:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the Wilton Library.
The Wilton Y will be offering flu shots Friday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost is $38. Seniors, please bring Medicare and supplemental insurance card. 404 Danbury Road, Wilton. (203) 762-8384.
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