For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Health Department Offers Flu Vaccination Appointments to Residents

ARLINGTON – With flu season underway and anticipated to last through at least March, the Arlington Health Department is working to vaccinate residents.

Director of Public Health Natasha Waden asks that residents who have not yet received their influenza vaccination this season to contact the Health Department for an appointment.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a disease of the body’s respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is caused by a virus. In New England, the yearly flu season usually begins in the fall and lasts through March.

The most common symptoms of  seasonal flu are fever, cough and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired. Some people, especially young children, also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.

“The flu can be very serious,” Waden said. “Each year seasonal flu causes hospital admissions and deaths, and some residents are at higher risk of serious health problems when they get the flu. This includes children, seniors, pregnant women and people with certain underlying medical conditions.”

The vaccine is updated each year based on which influenza viruses are circulating. The Centers of Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

The Arlington Health Department is offering flu vaccinations to residents by appointment. Please contact Jessica Kerr, Public Health Nurse, 781-316-3140, to set up your appointment, or with any questions.

Copies of the vaccination form can be found at www.arlingtonma.gov/health. Forms are also available at the Department of Health & Human Services office at 27 Maple St.  Please bring completed forms along with your insurance card to your appointment. Vaccines are free for those with insurance, and $15 for residents without insurance.

Additional information, as well as the list of participating insurance providers, can be found on the Town’s website at www.arlingtonma.gov/health.

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