Dutchess County Department of Health announced its final public flu clinic will be Saturday, January 30th at Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road from 10am to 12pm.  This free clinic will offer Dutchess County residents six months of age and older the opportunity to receive H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza vaccination by appointment only.    

“Many residents have been able to get vaccinated by the County, their doctors, or their local pharmacy,” said Commissioner of Health Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH. “However, there are still many residents who still need to be immunized against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza before the next wave of flu strikes.”

Since the spread of 2009 H1N1 flu will continue into this new year, getting vaccinated against both 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal influenza will help reduce the spread of these diseases in the coming months and help residents to remain healthy.

While both 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza vaccine are available to anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others, there are certain groups where it is most important that individuals become vaccinated.

            2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine - It is important for residents who are pregnant, those that live with or take care of anyone less than six months of age, individuals who are less than 24 years of age to be vaccinated, or individuals with health conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza.

            Seasonal Influenza vaccine - Is especially important for those individuals who are pregnant, all children 6 months to 18 years of age, anyone 50 years of age or older, or individuals with health conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.dutchessny.gov, and click on the “What to do about the Flu” button.  Residents who do not have access to the Internet can contact the Flu Vaccination Registrar at (845) 486-2226 Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.  Registration will close on Friday, January 29th at 4pm or sooner if all available appointments are filled.