Americares Free Clinics and Walgreens are offering free flu shots to qualifying patients in October to help keep uninsured adults healthy this flu season.
— an announcement from Americares Free Clinics
Now in its fifth year, the collaboration annually vaccinates nearly 1,000 Fairfield County residents who cannot afford a flu shot.
“By providing free flu shots to qualifying patients, we can help prevent the spread of influenza in vulnerable communities,” said Terri McCartney, Americares Free Clinics director of volunteer services and community outreach. “Together with Walgreens, we are helping more Connecticut residents stay healthy this flu season.”
The flu shots will be available to eligible residents age 18 and over during walk-in clinics scheduled throughout October at the Americares Free Clinics in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford. Immunizations will be administered by Walgreens pharmacists, and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
The annual Americares-Walgreens flu clinic collaboration is part of a national program organized by Walgreens to make the flu vaccine available to those without health insurance coverage or for those who are unable to afford a flu shot.
The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated.
Seasonal influenza can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and even death. Young children, the elderly and adults with underlying medical conditions are most at risk.
The CDC estimates influenza vaccinations prevented approximately 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits and nearly 109,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations during the 2017-2018 flu season.
Flu Clinic Dates and Times
STAMFORD AND NORWALK
Norwalk — 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Wednesday, Oct. 16
Bob Macauley Americares Free Clinic
98 South Main St., Norwalk
203.899.2493
Stamford — Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Tuesday, Oct. 15
On Oct. 8 (5 to 8 p.m.):Building One Community
75 Selleck St., Stamford
On Oct. 15 (4 to 7 p.m.): Americares Free Clinic
401 Shippan Ave., Stamford
203.658.9507
ELSEWHERE
Danbury — 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22
Boehringer Ingelheim Americares Free Clinic
76 West St., Danbury
203.748.6188
Bridgeport — 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 19
Fred Weisman Americares Free Clinic
115 Highland Ave., Bridgeport
203.333.9175
About Americares Free Clinics
The Americares Free Clinics provide quality health care to low-income, uninsured patients in a setting where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Since 1994, our clinics in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford have helped more than 26,000 Connecticut residents receive free health care services valued at $94 million. For more information, go to www.americaresfreeclinics.org or call 203.658.9500.