Flu Shots Are Available

WINDSOR — Despite the reported shortage of flu shots nationwide, Industrial Health Care says it has ample supplies to conduct vaccinations for Connecticut residents on a first-come, first-served basis at its eight clinic locations. The cost for the shot is $10.

“As most people are aware, the flu vaccine shortage has forced many community vaccination clinics to be cancelled,” said Dr Jeffrey A. Berkman, President and CEO of Industrial Health Care. “However, IHC has been lucky enough to procure a large amount of vaccine and we have decided to make shots available to the general public. We think it’s important for people to take steps to ensure their continued good health and that’s why we encourage all who have traditionally received the vaccine to come to one of our clinics for the shot.”

Those who are at the highest risk from influenza are those aged 55 and over and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes. Dr Berkman says there are a few groups that should not get the shot. This includes those who are allergic to eggs, those who have had serious reactions to past flu shots, or those who have a fever. Also pregnant women or those who have ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome should consult their doctors before getting the shot. The vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of nine.

Industrial Health Care is licensed only as an occupational health care provider; therefore it cannot bill insurance companies or other outside agencies like Medicare or group health plans. For this reason, the vaccines are on a cash-only basis.

IHC’s eight clinics are located in East Hartford, Norwalk, Norwich, Plainville, Stratford, Wallingford, Waterbury, and Windsor, and each are giving the shots. For more information about the vaccine clinics or clinic hours, call any of the clinics.