Senator David Carlucci Sponsors Flu Clinic at Montefiore Nyack Hospital For First Responders

(New City, NY) – NYS Senator David Carlucci will sponsor a free flu shot clinic on Wednesday for Rockland County first responders. The clinic will be from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Montefiore Nyack Hospital in Nyack. Carlucci said the flu clinic will allow first responders to get the flu shot free of charge.

Senator David Carlucci said, “Our first responders have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep us safe. While COVID-19 is still a risk, the flu does not have to have to be. By making the flu vaccine convenient and accessible to first responders, we can help them stay a bit safer.”

Health experts say the flu shot is more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic because the flu vaccine helps prevent those most at risk from becoming sick and putting others at risk for respiratory illness.

Montefiore Nyack Hospital, Director of Pharmacy, Daryl Schiller, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID, FASHP said, “With the flu season approaching and COVID-19 still present, it is even more important to get vaccinated for influenza this year.  We are reaching into our community to provide immunizations to the most at risk in our community including our first responders and senior citizens.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine before the end of October with very rare exceptions. Health experts warn if you do not get the flu vaccine and catch the flu, you are more likely to experience serious illness and hospitalization than those who have had their annual flu shot.

“We do not want to see medical resources at our hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients stretched thin due to a surge in illness from the flu,” said Senator Carlucci. “The flu shot is the easiest way to keep yourself, your family and those on the frontlines safe.”

The CDC estimates the flu has led to more than 35.5 million illnesses, 16.5 million medical visits, 490,600 hospitalizations and 34,200 deaths during the 2018-2019 influenza season. The CDC advises people to get vaccinated by the end of October because it takes about 2 weeks to build immunity for the season.  Health experts say flu season varies, but often flu activity increases in October, peaking between December and February.

First responders do not need to make an appointment for the flu clinic, but can walk in at their convenience. Nyack hospital asks first responders to enter through the Emergency Department Ambulance Entrance and go to the EMS Lounge. First responders should wear a face covering and their temperature will be taken before entering the building. For more information, you can click, here.

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Senator David Carlucci represents most of Rockland County and parts of Westchester County in the 38th NYS Senate District. To learn more about his legislative efforts, click here or sign up to receive email updates.