Blog

August National Immunization Awareness Month

  • July 30, 2019

 

August National Immunization Awareness Month

To help keep our community safe, Whittier Street Health Center is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month.

Did you know?

Shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. They can also help stop the spread of illness and decrease your risk of being hospitalized.

Who should get vaccines?

EVERYONE!!!

We all need shots to help protect ourselves, our families and community from serious diseases.

It’s important to know which shots you need and at what age to get them.

  • Here at Whittier Street Health Center we can help you find out if you or your child needs vaccinations.
  • Vaccines are one of the many ways that we all can protect and promote wellness in our communities.
  • Whittier is a part of the Vaccines for Children Program; which provides vaccines for our patients 18 years old and under for FREE including Flu shots.

With the Flu Season fast approaching…… we start giving flu shots In August

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. It can even result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with some chronic health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.

How can you stop the flu?

* FLU VACCINES ARE THE #1 WAY TO PREVENT THE FLU*

You should get a flu shot before the flu virus begins to spread in your community. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to build the antibodies to protect you. CDC recommend that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. But can get them throughout the flu season.

Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year.

Some children need 2 doses of the flu vaccine to be protected and they should start the shots sooner, because the 2 doses have to be given at least 4 weeks apart.

Those who are not sure if the flu vaccine is right for them should talk to their doctor or nurse

 

Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages

Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the protection they need. To learn more about vaccines and how to schedule an appointment to get them, please visit  www.wshc.org

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).