TOWNSHEND-Grace Cottage will host two Saturday flu vaccine clinics, on Oct. 4 and Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. until noon, at Grace Cottage Family Health, 185 Grafton Rd.
The flu shots at these clinics are available to the public; one does not need to be an established patient at Grace Cottage. Pre-registration is recommended (call 802-365-4331); walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Most insurance covers flu shots; so people should bring an ID and insurance card. If they are not insured, payment for the flu shot is expected at the time of service.
Two flu shots are being offered this year: one for those age six months to 64, and another for those who are 65 and older. Flu shots are also available at Grace Cottage weekdays by appointment.
"An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the flu and spreading it to others," said Grace Cottage representatives in a news release. "It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination." They recommend that everyone age six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
People over age 65 or those with a chronic disease, such as diabetes or asthma, have a higher risk of contracting the flu and are especially urged to get the shot.
For more information about the flu and vaccination, visit healthvermont.gov or call the Vermont helpline at 2-1-1.
Grace Cottage will collect donations for the Townshend Food Shelf during the clinics. If you wish to support the Food Shelf in this way, bring a nonperishable food item to the clinic.
For more information about this or other Grace Cottage services, visit gracecottage.org or call 802-365-4331.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.