Governor Cuomo declared a public health emergency late on Saturday in response to what he’s called “the worst flu season since at least 2009.” Though the words “public health emergency” are likely to inspire some panic, there are plenty of preventative measures you can take to stay healthy. First on the Center of Disease Control’s “Take 3″ Actions to Fight the Flu? The vaccination. If you haven’t already, get your flu shot at these local pharmacies and clinics:
CVS Pharmacy, 349 9th Street
Phone: 718-499-3414
Hours: 24-hour
CVS has flu vaccinations available for children and adults, including high-dose and Intradermal (90% smaller needle!) shots. No appointment necessary, but the pharmacist stresses “the earlier the better.”
Duane Reade, 296 Flatbush Ave
Phone: (718) 399-2716
Hours: Mon – Fri, 8am-9pm; Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 9am-6pm
Duane Reade has both vaccine injection and nasal mist in stock for adults only. No appointment necessary.
Premier Care Walk in Clinic, 418-420 Fifth Avenue
Phone: 718-965-2273
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9am-9pm; Sat – Sun, 9am-5pm
Premier also has both the mist and injection, available for children and adults. No appointment is necessary.
Rite Aid (249 7th Avenue, 718-768-9567) has run out of the vaccine and will be out of stock indefinitely. Pharmacists told us to check back later in the week.
Beyond the vaccination, the CDC recommends the usual tips for flu prevention: avoid close contact with sick people, wash your hands often with soap and water, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. And if you are sick, stay home! Put on comfy clothes, drink plenty of water, eat some chicken soup, and become a hermit for at least 24 hours. Did you know that the entirety of The X-Files is streaming on Netflix? Let Mulder nurse you back to health and get better soon.
Be well, everyone!
