~Submitted by Bedford Health Department
Reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. The flu season traditionally starts in September and ends in April, with a peak in cases from January through March. Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bedford Health Department urges you to take the following three actions to protect yourself against a flu infection:
- Vaccination. A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself against flu.
- Everyday Preventive Actions. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home and rest. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough. Because flu-like symptoms can be similar to COVID-19 symptoms, if you have symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider to discuss.
- Treatment. There are anti-viral drugs that can treat influenza. Anti-viral drugs need to be used early to be effective. If you have flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your medication treatment options.
In an effort to protect people who live and work in Bedford from getting the flu, the Bedford Health Department has scheduled free flu clinics during the months of September and October. Participants are required to register on-line in advance of attendance at a clinic. Once you choose an appointment, you will then be directed to download, print and complete a registration form, including your insurance information. Please make a separate appointment and print a separate form for each person receiving a flu vaccination.
Provided you meet all the pre-screening requirements on the day of vaccination, vaccination appointments guarantee you a vaccine. Please do not arrive early, as arriving early provides no benefit and may result in a longer wait time.
Clinics are scheduled on the following dates:
- Monday, September 26, 3:00pm – 6:00pm
- Drive Through Clinic – 12 Mudge Way, behind Town Center under the big white tent
- Register here: https://
bedfordvaccinationregistration .as.me/DriveThroughFluClinics
- Monday, October 3, 3:00pm – 6:00pm
- Drive Through Clinic – 12 Mudge Way, behind Town Center under the big white tent
- Register here: https://
bedfordvaccinationregistration .as.me/DriveThroughFluClinics
- Tuesday, October 4, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- High Dose Walk Through Clinic for Age 65+ – Council on Aging, 12 Mudge Way
- Register here: https://
BedfordVaccinationRegistration .as.me/COAHDClinic
- Thursday, October 6, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- High Dose Walk Through Clinic for Age 65+ – Council on Aging, 12 Mudge Way
- Register here: https://
BedfordVaccinationRegistration .as.me/COAHDClinic
- Saturday, October 15, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Town Wide Walk Through Clinic – John Glenn Middle School, 99 McMahon Road
- Register here: The Registration link for the Oct 15 clinic will be posted on the Health Department website as we get closer to the clinic date
You must have an appointment and your completed in-hand registration form to receive a vaccine. If you do not have a vehicle and would like to receive a vaccine at a drive through clinic, please contact the Health Department at 781-275-6507. Also, please continue to check the above registration links for up-to-date information on clinic offerings as expanded appointment opportunities and additional clinic dates may be added in the future.
The flu clinics are free and open to those who live in work in Bedford and are 6 months of age and older. High dose flu shots are available for those 65 years and older. Please wear a mask and clothing that allows for easy access to your arm for vaccine administration. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Health Department at 781-275-6507 or visit our Flu Clinic webpage at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/
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