TOWNSHEND, Vt. – Grace Cottage Family Health will hold two Saturday flu vaccine clinics this year, on Oct. 7, and Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended, call 802-365-4331; walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.
During both of the flu clinics, Grace Cottage will also host a food drive for the Townshend Food Shelf. If you can, please bring a non-perishable food item.
You do not need to be an established patient at Grace Cottage to get a flu shot at these clinics. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Most insurance covers this preventive health measure; please bring your ID and insurance card with you. If you are not insured, payment for your flu shot is expected at the time of service.
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the flu and spreading it to others. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. People over age 65 or those with any chronic disease, such as diabetes or asthma, have a higher risk of contracting the flu, and are especially urged to get the shot.
Two different flu shots are being offered this year, one for those age 6 months to 64, and another for those who are 65 and older.
Flu shots are also available at Grace Cottage weekdays by appointment. Call 802-365-4331. Grace Cottage Family Health is located at 185 Grafton Road (Route 35), in Townshend, Vt.
For more information about flu shots or the flu in general, visit the national CDC website (www.cdc.gov), the Vermont Department of Health website (www.healthvermont.gov), or call the Vermont helpline at 211.