With the 2017-18 flu seasons resulting in the highest rate of flu-like illness since the 2009 pandemic, now’s the time to prepare – as both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NYSDOH advise getting vaccinated as soon as possible for the upcoming season, preferably before the end of October.
The annual Stony Brook Southampton Hospital free flu shot clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hospital’s Parrish Memorial Hall.
“A 2018 study shows that risk of hospitalization with the flu reduced 37 percent thanks to the vaccine, and risk of Intensive Care Unit admission with the flu reduced 82 percent,” said Deborah Maile, RN, Director of Infection Prevention at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “Flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu and flu-related complications.”
The New York State Department of Health recorded the highest ever hospitalization rates across all age groups to date during the 2017-18 flu seasons.
The clinic is open to adults 18 years or older and vaccines are subject to availability. Appointments are not necessary, but a valid ID is required.
Parrish Memorial Hall is located at 235 Herrick Road in Southampton. For more information, visit southampton.stonybrookmedicine.edu.