Flu season is here and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of severe respiratory illness among young-to-middle-aged adults, some of whom have required hospitalization. The elderly are especially vulnerable to influenza and should be vaccinated if they haven’t already received the flu vaccine this season.
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County has a limited number of high-dose flu vaccines still available and will hold one last flu clinic in Wilton for individuals over the age of 65 and their family members. The high-dose flu vaccine clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the nursing agency’s offices at 761 Main Avenue, Suite 114, in the I-Park medical complex at the intersection of Kent Rd. and Rte. 7 on the Wilton/Norwalk town line.
“The flu shot is safe and the single most effective way to prevent influenza, decrease its complications and help stop the spread of flu,” said Melody Matheny-Orpen, RN, community health coordinator at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.
The flu clinic will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis and an appointment is not necessary. Persons under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The cost of a high-dose flu shot is $60, payable by cash or check, or it can be billed directly to Medicare Part B, Anthem, Aetna or HealthyCT. Insurance cards must be presented at the clinic at the time of vaccine. Those wishing to receive the flu vaccine should wear short sleeves or sleeves that are easy to roll up.
A non-profit community organization for more than 100 years, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice and palliative care for adults and children in Wilton and throughout Fairfield County. Visit them online or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.