Influenza Activity Prevalent in Massachusetts – It’s Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot!

Submitted by the Bedford Board of Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal flu cases are on the rise and the Bedford Board of Health has seen an increase of flu cases reported to us. Additionally, there has been reported increase of flu-like illness at doctors’ office and flu-related hospitalization nationwide.

In an effort to protect people who live and work in Bedford from getting the flu, the Bedford Board of Health has scheduled a FREE flu clinic on Thursday, January 22, 2015, from 3 – 4 pm.

This clinic will take place in the Flint Room on the 2^nd Floor of the Town Center Building (yellow building behind Town Hall) located at 12 Mudge Way in Bedford.

This walk-in flu clinic is free and open to Bedford residents 6 months of age and older. Parents are encouraged to bring their school aged children and college students home on break to this clinic. Please wear 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.

Before you arrive, save a step and download and complete the appropriate registration form from our website!  Although the clinic is free of charge to you, the Board of Health asks you to bring your medical insurance cards so that we may be reimbursed for the administration of the vaccine.

For the registration forms and more information about the flu vaccine please click on the Flu Information link on the Board of Health website at www.bedfordma.gov/health.

Based on CDC recommendations, the Bedford Board of Health urges you to take the following three actions to fight the flu.

1. Vaccination: CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu.
2. Everyday preventive actions: Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home and rest. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough.
3. Treatment: There are anti-viral drugs that can treat the influenza. Anti-viral drugs need to be used early to be effective. You can talk to your doctor about prescribing this medication.

Click to read or print the full Centers for Disease Control influenza flyer

Forty-Six states, including Massachusetts, have reported widespread Influenza activities. It is expected that the number of flu cases will continue to rise in Massachusetts as the flu season typically hits it peak in February and March.