UPCOMING FLU VACCINE CLINICS SCHEDULED IN ROCKLAND

NEW CITY, NY - - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert today remind residents to protect themselves by getting a flu vaccine. The flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. "Take time to get your flu vaccine - it is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and its complications," said Dr. Ruppert.

The Health Department is continuing to hold flu vaccine clinics for anyone 6 months and older, and we will hold clinics in convenient locations in the community:
• Friday, October 27, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the Haverstraw WIC office, located at 26 New Main Street, Suite 1, in Haverstraw.
• Wednesday, November 1, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the Allison-Parris County Office Building, located at 11 New Hempstead Road, 1st floor Conference Room, in New City.
• Friday, November 3, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Rockland Community College, Student Union Building, Room 3217, located at 145 College Road in Suffern.

The vaccine is free of charge if you:
• are 65 years and older (please bring identification with proof of age)
• have Medicare or Medicaid (please bring your card)
• are uninsured or underinsured

No appointments are needed. There is a $25 fee (down from $30 last year) for those 6 months through 64 years old. Cash or checks will be accepted. For those with private health insurance, we will provide you with a receipt to submit to your health insurance for possible reimbursement.

The Health Department will be giving the quadrivalent flu vaccine which does not contain preservatives, including thimerosal. The vaccine is called quadrivalent because it offers protection against four different flu virus strains that research shows will be most common during this flu season: two influenza (flu) A virus strains and two influenza B virus strains. It is recommended that you wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated so you can be observed for any reactions.

In addition, the Health Department, along with the Rockland County Office for the Aging, and several community agencies including Northern Services Group and Nyack Hospital, have coordinated the following flu vaccine clinics, offering the quadrivalent flu vaccine supplied by the Health Department, ONLY to residents 65 years and older. These shots are free of charge.

• Tuesday, October 24, from 10:30 am - 11:30 am, at Stony Point Seniors, Rho Cottage, 5 Clubhouse Lane, Stony Point, NY, 10980. Clinic run by Nyack Hospital 348-2004
• Tuesday, October 24, from 1:00pm - 2:00 pm. at New City Seniors, Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956. Clinic run by Nyack Hospital 348-2004
• Wednesday, October 25, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, at Congers 1 Seniors, Congers Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Rd, Congers, NY 10920. Clinic run by Nyack Hospital 348-2004
• Thursday, October 26, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, at Orangetown Seniors, Orangetown Town Hall, 26 W Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962. Clinic run by Nyack Hospital 348-2004
• Friday, October 27, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, at RCC Senior Club, RCC Tech Center Building, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901. Clinic run by Northern Services Group 426-6701 Ext. *226
• Monday, October 30, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am, at Haverstraw Place Independent Living, 140 Route 9W, Haverstraw, NY 10927. Clinic run by Northern Services Group 426-6701 Ext. *226
• Monday, October 30, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, at Walnut Hill Apartments, 70 N Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993. Clinic run by Northern Services Group 426-6701 Ext. *226
• Wednesday, November 1, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, at Warren Knolls Apartments, 500 Warren Knolls Drive, Haverstraw, NY 10927. Clinic run by Northern Services Group 426-6701 Ext. *226
• Friday, November 3, from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, at St. Gregory's Senior Club, 25 Cinder Drive, Garnerville, NY 10923. Clinic run by Northern Services Group 426-6701 Ext. *226

Talk to your doctor before getting the flu shot if you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine and if you are not feeling well. It is recommended that you wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated so you can be observed for any reactions.