City hosts H1N1 & seasonal flu clinic

NEW BEDFORD, Mass., (WPRI) - The City of New Bedford will be hosting a free H1N1 and Seasonal flu clinic on February 20.

The clinic will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Center located at 47 South Sixth Street in the Whaling City from 11a.m.- 3p.m.  H1N1 Vaccine will be available for non-residents and residents. However, the seasonal flu vaccine will only be offered to New Bedford residents.

Anyone seeking either vaccine is asked to bring their health insurance cards, although insurance is not required to get vaccinated at the clinic.

The New Bedford Health Department has been working closely with local organizations to promote the clinic and provide outreach to the non-English speaking populations in the community.

Everyone not vaccinated is encouraged to attend the clinic, especially the following groups:

• All children 6 months to 18 years of age (Must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian) Children 9 years and under should receive 2 doses of H1N1 vaccine. IMPORTANT: Any child who has received the first of their two doses MUST bring documentation of the first dose of vaccine to this clinic because Center for Disease Control recommends a 28 day interval between doses for maximum effectiveness.
•  Pregnant women and other individuals in their household
•  Individuals who live with infants younger than 6 months of age
•  Healthcare personnel, including dental health care personnel
•  Adults with high risk medical conditions

“Flu is unpredictable, and we don’t know yet whether we’ll see another wave of illness this flu season,” said Marianne De Souza, Director of the New Bedford Health Department.

“So it’s important that we continue our efforts to provide as many opportunities as we can for residents to get vaccinated – this year, more than ever.”

Additionally, the New Bedford Health Department offers free public immunization clinics at their office at 1213 Purchase Street on Monday’s and Friday’s from 1:00pm to 3:30pm for both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccinations.

For more information, please contact the City of New Bedford Health Department at 508-991-6199.