NEW Health Held Free Flu Clinic, Plans Another

Editor’s note: Marianne Aiello of North End Waterfront Health submitted this article.

 North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health) held a free flu clinic on Saturday, January 12 in response to Mayor Thomas Menino declaring the city’s flu outbreak a public health emergency.

The health center is planning another free flu clinic for ages 18 and up only today from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. NEW Health is located at 332 Hanover St.

“The mayor asked all health centers in the city to host clinics so that more people could get vaccinated,” said NEW Health CEO Jim Luisi. “We were not given much notice, but our hardworking staff was up to the challenge and ran the clinic seamlessly.”

NEW Health gave more than 300 flu shots during the 3.5-hour free clinic. Since the flu season began, the health center has given out more than 1,800 flu shots and efforts are ongoing.

More than 750 cases of the flu have been reported in Boston, according to the Department of Public Health. Of that amount, 25 percent have been hospitalized, with most hospitalizations occurring in people over age 45 with underlying medical conditions.

“One of the easiest ways to keep your family, friends, neighbors, and yourself healthy is to get the flu shot,” says NEW Health’s Chief Medical Officer John Foster, MD.

Children under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive a free flu shot during the clinic on Thursday because children receive a more specialized dose of the vaccine. If your child needs a flu shot, please contact your pediatrician.