Politics & Government

Westwood Flu Clinic Coming October 23

Residents 5 and older can receive a vaccine that will fight off three strains of the flu virus this season.

The foliage, the football, the refreshing chill after a heat-filled summer. It's hard to deny these pleasures of autumn.

But the arrival of the fall also means the arrival of the flu season. 

Well fear not, Westwood residents. The Westwood Board of Health has got you covered. 

Find out what's happening in Westwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Saturday, October 23, a flu clinic will be held at the Westwood High School gymnasium for residents aged 5 and older. 

"We've been told that it looks like it's going to be a normal flu season," said Westwood Health Director Linda Shea. "Which is a good thing."

Find out what's happening in Westwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The big change for this year's clinic is that all residents only need to get one shot for multiple strains of the flu virus. 

"There are three strains that this flu shot is going to protect against, one of which is H1N1," Shea said.

Shea said she is expecting a larger turnout of residents this years, as children did not receive the seasonal vaccine last year, only the H1N1 vaccine. 

"Normally, we did adults 18 and older until we did the H1N1 (vaccine)," Shea said. 

But the vaccine is only one way to fight away the flu. Residents should consistenly wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, as well as avoid people who are ill and to stay home when sick.

The Westwood Flu Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 23. Residents who attend will not be charged for the vaccine, but should bring their health insurance or Medicare cards so that insurance companies can be billed. 

Residents who attend are encouraged to wear clothing that makes the upper arm accidesible for administration of the vaccine. 

Those younger than 5 years should receive their vaccines from their primary care physicians. 

Residents are also being asked to bring items for the Westwood Food Pantry, which include anything from Coffee and Tea, to juice, canned fruit, sugar-free items, cake or brownie mix.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here