The Chicago Department of Public Health’s yearly flu shot clinics are underway across the city, including several West Side locations.
City health officials have organized more than 70 community events across the city in the next few weeks where residents may receive their flu shot at no cost.
Residents may participate in any of the walk-in clinic events but are asked to bring their Medicare or proof of insurance card if they have one.
The city’s family flu clinics provide parents and children the opportunity to get their flu shots together, along with fun, family-oriented activities. The next event will be held Saturday, Nov. 12th at the five City Colleges of Chicago.
Up to 20 percent of the U.S. population is infected with the flu every year, and about 200,000 people become so sick with it they have to be hospitalized.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every person at least 6 months of age get a yearly flu shot, which protects against several strains of the virus.
“The flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu,” Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Julie Morita said in a news release. “The more Chicagoans who get vaccinated, the less the flu will spread across the city.”
Added Dr. Marielle Fricchione, the city public health agency’s immunization program medical director, “When you get a flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your family, friends and your community.”
To get vaccinated, talk to your doctor or call your local pharmacy. If you do not have a doctor, call 311 to locate a city public health department’s Fast Track Immunization Clinic. You can also use the Flu Clinic Finder to locate a place nearby.
See below for the dates, times and locations of this year’s family flu clinics on the West Side:
- 24th Ward Office, 1158 S. Keeler Ave: Wed 11/9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Chicago Police Department’s 25th District, 5555 W. Grand Ave.: Wed 11/16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Chicago Police Department’s 11th District, 3151 W. Harrison St,: Tue 11/29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.