City of Hartford Holds Flu Clinic

---NEWS ADVISORY---

Hartford - The City of Hartford’s Department of Health and Human Services will hold a public flu clinic for Hartford residents who are 18 years of age and older.

WHEN:            Wednesday, December 6^th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Hartford Health Department at 131 Coventry Street.

Vaccine supplies will be administered on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last.  This is a walk-in clinic and no appointments are necessary.  There is no cost for Hartford residents as long as they can show proof of residency (e.g. driver’s license, photo identification, etc.)

Anyone who wants to reduce the chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. People who should get vaccinated every year are:

• Those who are at a high risk of having serious flue complications
• Those who live with or care for people with a high risk for serious complications
• Those who are age 65 years and older, with or without chronic health conditions
• Those who are residents of long-term care facilities
• Those who are age 2–64 years with chronic health conditions
• Children 6–23 months of age
• Pregnant women
• Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.  The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.  Each year, at least 10% of the U.S. population will get influenza.  Approximately 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and more than 200,000 per year are hospitalized as a result of influenza. 

If you need more information about flu vaccination, please contact the Hartford Health & Human Services Department at 860-543-8800.