Cambridge Influenza Clinic Starts October 15th

October 8, 2020

The Cambridge Public Health Service is stepping up its efforts to vaccinate more people than ever before, with the goal of immunizing 10,000 influenza this season. The influenza vaccine is donated by the Cambridge Health Alliance.

Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and Director of Cambridge, said: Public Health Department. “For influenza clinics, our top priorities are to ensure easy access to vaccines, short waiting times, and a safe environment.”

The Ministry of Health’s influenza vaccine campaign began earlier this month, working with several groups at high risk of serious flu complications. From October 7th to 8th, special influenza clinics were held in four senior housing estates. The department also provides free flu shots to the homeless community, with six clinics planned for shelters and dining areas until mid-October.

Starting Thursday, October 15th, people living or working in Cambridge will be eligible for free influenza vaccinations at public health clinics. The first four clinics will be held on October 15, October 21 (two clinics), and October 22 at the King Open School on Cambridge Street 850 in the Wellington-Harrington district. The outdoor clinic will be held from October 28th to 29th at Starlight Square (a parking lot on the corner of Bishop Allen Doctor on Norfolk Street and Central Square) and November 14th at Danahe Park / Fresh Pond Plaza.

• You need to make an appointment for influenza vaccination this year. To schedule a reservation online https://cphd-flu-2020.as.me.. The city’s Influenza Clinic Call Center (617-349-9788) will open next week for those who wish to book by phone.
• Children over 6 months old can be vaccinated against influenza at all influenza clinics.
• The nasal spray influenza vaccine (FluMist®) is available to people aged 2 to 50 years, but will continue to be available.
• The high-dose influenza vaccine will be available to adults over the age of 65, but will continue to be available.
• Influenza vaccination is free, but if you have health insurance, we recommend that you bring your card to the clinic.
• The Cambridge Public Health Service will not be able to provide flu shots in the office this year due to a pandemic. Residents are advised to go to one of the public flu clinics, a local pharmacy, or book with a healthcare provider.

Safety precautions

During the pandemic, the health department implements strict safety procedures at influenza clinics to reduce the risk of obtaining or infecting COVID-19. If you are seeking a flu shot, you will be asked to follow new guidelines and recommendations to support these health and safety measures.

The King Open School has been newly refurbished and features a state-of-the-art air circulation system. According to state guidelines, the number of people who can enter the building at the same time is limited.

To make the flu clinic as safe and efficient as possible, residents are required to:

• If you are ill, stay home and change your schedule. Staff will screen attendees for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the clinic.
• Schedule your booking using online options. If that isn’t possible, schedule by phone. We do not strongly recommend bringing it in.
• If a printer is available, please print and pre-fill the flu vaccine form.
• Wear a mask or face cover. If you are over 5 years old, please wear a mask when making a reservation. People without masks are not allowed. If you cannot wear a mask due to your medical condition, you can also use a face shield.
• Wear a sleeveless shirt under your sweater or jacket to keep it close to your arms.
• Avoid coming in large groups. If possible, schedule a schedule of 2-3 people or less for each group.

Autumn influenza clinic schedule

• King Open School
  Indoor / cafeteria
  Thursday, October 15, 2020
  4 pm to 7 pm
  850 Cambridge Street

• King Open School
  Indoor / cafeteria
  Wednesday, October 21, 2020
  8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Session 1)
  4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Session 2)
  850 Cambridge Street

• King Open School
  Indoor / cafeteria
  Thursday, October 22, 2020
  4 pm to 7 pm
  850 Cambridge Street

The booking schedule for the following dates is not yet available, but is scheduled for late October.

• Starlight Square
  Outdoor / parking Behind H Mart, on the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive
  Wednesday, October 28, 2020
  11:00 am to 3:30 pm
  Central square

• Starlight Square
  Outdoor / parking Behind H Mart, on the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive
  Thursday, October 29, 2020
  11:00 am to 3:30 pm
  Central square

• Dana He Park / Fresh Pond Plaza
  Outdoor / drive-through site
  Saturday, November 14, 2020
  8:00 am to 4:00 pm