Senator Parker & Community Partners Offer Free Flu Shots Throughout The District

BROOKLYN, NY (October 9, 2015) – This week, State Senator Kevin Parker, with the help of Citi Heath Home Care Services, Flatbush YMCA, New York Methodist Hospital and Lenox Road Baptist Church, offered residents an opportunity to be vaccinated during annual Free Flu Shot Days.

“This is one of the most critical events that we host for the community as the cold season approaches” said Parker. “It is our hope that it will prevent families, especially children and seniors, from getting ill.  I would like to acknowledge all of our partners for helping make this a successful event.”

According to the NYS Department of Health, seasonal flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Free Flu Shot Day was hosted throughout the 21st Senate District, over the course of three days. On Wednesday, October 7th the Flatbush YMCA hosted the event, located at 1401 Flatbush Ave. On Thursday, October 8th, the New York Methodist Hospital held the event, on 506 6th Street, and today, October 9th, Lenox Road Baptist Church hosted the event, at 1356 Nostrand Avenue. 

Flu shots were provided to adults only, on a first come first serve basis. In lieu of rumors and fears that the flu shot may be dangerous, volunteers were sure to educate the recipients and reassure them that the shots they were receiving had no live viruses or major risks, and were a means of protection for the upcoming seasonal changes in weather.

Hospital practitioners on site encouraged those who are 65 and older, have existing conditions, suffer from a weakened immune system, are pregnant and/or are residents of an assisted care facility, in particular to get the flu shot.

The vaccination event was attended by dozens of residents from the 21st Senate District and beyond.