SW New Hampshire News

Thousands die each year from influenza (flu) and related complications. Those most at risk are the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or immune systems suppressed by disease or medications. These are similar to the range of people at risk for severe disease or death from COVID-19. Even if being out sick for a few days doesn’t worry you, your illness could potentially threaten the life of someone you come in contact with once you have it.

Get your annual flu shot—the earlier, the better

Annual flu shots are even more important now that COVID-19 is also here to stay. The good news is, you can receive both shots at once for easy winter protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC).

The flu shot does not cause the flu, can be taken even if you have a light cold, and takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop. This vaccine is developed to protect against a few different variants of the flu virus expected to be the most common during this year’s flu season.

2022 drive-through vaccination clinics

This year, Cheshire Medical Center’s drive-through flu shot clinics are by appointment only for established patients. The easiest way to make an appointment is by logging into myD-H or the MyChart app on your mobile device.

There are currently drive-through flu shot clinics scheduled for 2022, all offering both the regular dose and the high-dose flu shot for people over 65.

• Saturday, October 8 (flu vaccine only)
• Saturday, October 15 (flu and COVID-19 vaccines)
• Saturday, November 5 (flu and COVID-19 vaccines)

You need to schedule an appointment for each vaccine or booster you want to receive at the clinic, even if at the same time. Learn more at cheshiremed.org/flu.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, including the new bivalent boosters at cheshiremed.org/vaccine.

If you are not an established patient at Cheshire Medical Center, our Family Medicine department is currently welcoming new patients. Learn more about becoming a Cheshire Family Medicine patient.

Additional flu shot availability

If you cannot attend one of the upcoming drive-through clinics, you can also receive your vaccination at the following locations:

• Cheshire Medical Center Pharmacy: you do not need an appointment to receive a regular-dose flu shot at the pharmacy in our Medical Center’s main lobby. Just walk in!
• Primary Care: ask for a flu vaccine during any scheduled family medicine or pediatric appointment.
• Many local pharmacies also offer flu shots

Learn more about vaccination at cheshiremed.org/flu.   

Original source can be found here.