MANHATTAN – With the confusion and debate over Covid-19 vaccination booster shots, you may have forgotten that this time of the year is also the start of flu season– that’s why Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side is offering free flu shots this week to prevent a so-called twin-demic this winter.
Doctors say it’s important to remember that the Covid-19 vaccine will not prevent the Flu— a highly infectious respiratory virus in itself— and an influenza vaccination, better known as a flu shot, is your best bet to avoid developing the severe complications that kill tens of thousands of Americans each year.
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Those at the highest risk for severe flu complications— including hospitalization or even dying from the illness— include the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems.
In addition to saving yourself from potentially debilitating influenza illness, Northwell Health— Lenox Hill Hospital’s parent company— says keeping influenza patients out of the hospital helps save resources for patients suffering from Covid-19.
Adults can get their free flu shot starting today at noon at Lenox Hill Hospital— just use the entrance at 1086 Lexington Avenue to get to the Hearth Room. Influenza vaccinations will be done through 3:00pm Monday, if you cant make it, you’ll have another shot tomorrow.
On Tuesday afternoon, Lenox Hill Hospital will be giving flu shots from in the same location from 4:00 pm through 7:00 pm that evening.
Free flu shots will also be available at Lenox Health Greenwich Village’s vaccine center located at 200 West 13th Street on Monday afternoon from 4:00 pm through 7:00 pm.
Masks are required at both locations regardless of Covid-19 vaccination status, so remember to bring yours when you get your flu shot.
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Also important to note, just as the Covid-19 vaccine won’t prevent the Flu, a flu shot will not prevent Covid-19— health officials say to be best protected you need to receive both vaccinations.
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