West Hartford Public Schools and the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District will be offering flu shots at West Hartford Town Hall.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford residents who have not yet received a flu shot this season will have the opportunity to do so at West Hartford Town Hall, where a flu shot clinic will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Influenza – the flu – is widespread this year and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health issued an alert earlier this month, and provided tips residents should follow to avoid catching the flu.

One of those tips included getting a flu shot, which provides the best protection against catching the virus.

As of Jan. 20, the latest date for which statistics were available, the Department of Public Health reported that there had been 32 flu-related deaths and 824 hospitalized patients in Connecticut this season. The majority of the deaths (28) occurred among patients over age 65.

“Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and flu infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others,” town officials stated in a news release announcing the clinic.

Vaccines will be available to anyone ages 4 and up at the Feb. 3 clinic, which is being held as a collaboration between West Hartford Public Schools and the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District. The clinic will be held on a walk-in basis in the Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main St., from 10 a.m. until noon.

According to the town, the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District is able to bill insurance directly and there are no out-of-pocket costs for those who have insurance through Aetna, CIGNA, Anthem, ConnectiCare, Husky, and Medicare Part B. The cost to all others is $30, payable by cash or check.

Anyone unable to attend the Feb. 3 clinic can also make an appointment by calling 860-561-7900 to receive a flu shot at the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District offices, 580 Cottage Grove Rd., Suite 100, Bloomfield.

The Town of West Hartford also advises residents to adopt the following preventative measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in addition to obtaining a flu shot:

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick to help prevent spreading your illness to others.  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent those around you from getting sick.
4.  Wash your hands often to help protect yourself from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, reduce your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

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