Fight the Flu: Get Your Annual Flu Shot at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Contact: [email protected]
For Immediate Release: Oct. 29, 2020
Flu shots are safe, effective vaccines against the seasonal influenza virus and an important way to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic
(New Haven, CT) — Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) encourages everyone over six months of age — who is not allergic to the vaccine — to get a flu shot this year. An annual flu shot is a safe, effective way to prevent and lessen the severity of the seasonal flu and keep yourself and others healthy during the flu season.
Flu shots are available at all 15 of PPSNE’s health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The flu shot is preventive care covered by most insurance plans, or available at a low price if paying out-of-pocket. All services are available on a sliding fee scale based on income.
To find the nearest health center and to make an appointment, visit ppsne.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.
Statement from Dr. Nicole J. Phillips, Associate Medical Director for Primary Care Services, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England:
“Now is the time for everyone to get a flu shot to stay safe and healthy this flu season. The flu shot is a remarkably safe and effective vaccine that can prevent you from catching the flu, or lessen the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu. It is important for everyone over the age of six months, who is not allergic to the vaccine, to get a flu shot this year.
“Like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the seasonal influenza virus is an upper respiratory illness that, for some, can be life-threatening. Contracting both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could be dangerous for your health and disastrous for your respiratory and immune system. During the convergence of this pandemic and annual flu season, getting a flu shot is an important way to protect yourself and keep others healthy.
“In addition to getting your flu shot, you can help minimize the spread of influenza and COVID-19 by following the 3 W’s: wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance from others.
“Talk to your health care provider about getting a flu shot, or set-up an appointment at your nearby Planned Parenthood of Southern New England health center. Now is not the time to take risks with your health — be sure to get a flu shot to keep yourself healthy this flu season.”