Press Release: update on Boston flu emergency

The following is a press release from the office of Boston Mayor Tom Menino regarding the Boston flu emergency:

Call to 27,000 seniors will inform them of health emergency and encourage them to get vaccinated

21 community health centers will provide free clinics this weekend

Following yesterday’s declaration of a public health emergency in the City of Boston, Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced updates to the City’s response plan for an increasingly severe flu season. Twenty-one community health centers across the City have committed to providing free public clinics this weekend; a full list of participating centers is below. Public health officials will reach nearly 45,000 Boston residents, including 27,000 seniors, through the City’s automated call system today, urging residents who have not yet been vaccinated to contact their doctors or visit a free clinic this weekend. (The script of that call is attached.)

“I got my flu shot, and I’m asking every Boston resident over the age of six months to do the same,” Mayor Menino said. “We’re working hard to make it as convenient as possible for residents throughout the city to get vaccinated, at no cost, and I hope to see thousands of Bostonians turn out this weekend at our health centers. It’s the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family during this severe flu season.”

Since October 1, the unofficial start of the flu season, there have been approximately 700 confirmed cases of flu among Boston residents, a ten-fold increase when compared to the 70 cases confirmed all of last flu season. The flu season in Boston typically stretches through the end of March. Flu cases are now accounting for over 4 percent of all emergency department visits at Boston hospitals, compared to about 1 percent during non-influenza season. Of influenza cases reported to date in Boston residents, 25 percent have been ill enough to require hospitalization. Since October 1, four Boston residents, all seniors, have died from flu-related illnesses. Certain people, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other conditions), are at greater risk for serious illness if they get influenza. Some individuals may not be at risk for severe illness themselves, but can transmit the infection to their families, friends, and patients.

The Boston Public Health Commission is urging people to contact their primary care doctor to get a flu vaccination, which can be administered as a shot or as a nasal spray. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against influenza. Boston residents that need help finding where to get vaccinated can contact the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, or the Mayor’s 24-hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 after hours.

Tips to avoid getting sick or spreading germs:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. If water is not nearby, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread this way.

• As much as possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• If you have a fever or feel ill, stay home.

Health Centers Offering Free Clinics This Weekend

Friday, January 11, 1pm-4pm

Upham’s Corner Health Center

415 Columbia Rd 2nd Floor

Dorchester, MA 02125

617-287-8000

Saturday, January 12, 9am-12:30pm

Bowdoin Street Health Center

230 Bowdoin St.

Dorchester, MA 02122

Saturday, January 12, 8am-noon

Brookside Community Health Center

3297 Washington Street

Jamaica Plain 02128

617-522-4700

Saturday, January 12, 9am-12pm

Dorchester House Multi-Service Center

1353 Dorchester Avenue

Dorchester MA 02155

Saturday, January 12, 10am-2pm

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

10 Gove Street

East Boston MA 02128

(also hosting public flu clinic during business hours, must call to book a 10 minute appointment at the following phone number 617-569-5800)

Saturday, January 12, 9:30am-1:00pm

Fenway Community Health Center *18years+

Ansin Building

1340 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215

Saturday, January 12, 9am-4pm

Geiger Gibson Community Health Center

250 Mt. Vernon Street

Dorchester, MA 02125

Saturday, January 12, noon-3pm

Hyde Park Municipal Building

1179 River Street

Hyde Park, MA 02136

Saturday, January 12, 9am-noon

Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center *ages 3 and up

287 Western Ave

Allston, MA 02134

617-783-0500

Saturday, January 12, 9am-1pm

Martha Eliot Health Center

75 Bickford St.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Saturday, January 12, 9am to 1pm

Mattapan Community Health Center

1575 Blue Hill Avenue

Mattapan, MA 02126

617-296-0061

Saturday, January 12, 9am-4pm

Neponset Health Center

398 Neponset Avenue

Dorchester, MA. 02122

Saturday, January 12, 8:30am-noon

North End Waterfront Health

332 Hanover Street

Boston, MA 02113

617-643-8000

Saturday, January 12, 9am-1pm

Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center

435 Warren Street

Roxbury, MA 02119

Saturday, January 12, 9am-1pm

South Boston Community Health Center

409 West Broadway

South Boston, MA 02127

Direct Contact: Kathleen Civiello, RN 617 464-7580

Saturday, January 12, 10am-1pm

South Cove Community Health Center *18yrs+

885 Washington St

Boston MA 02111

617-482-7555

Saturday, January 12, 9am-1pm

South End Community Health Center

1601 Washington St.

Boston, MA 02118

Saturday, January 12, 9am-noon

Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center

640 Centre Street

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Saturday, January 12, 10am-4pm

Whittier Street Health Center

1290 Tremont Street 1st floor

Roxbury MA

617-421-1000

Sunday, January 13, 12-4pm

Codman Square Health Center

(Next door to clinic 7 Norfolk Street in The Great Hall- Across the street from Farmers Market)

637 Washington Street

Dorchester, MA 02124

617-825-9660

Sunday, January 13, 9am-1pm

St. Anthony's Wellness Center

100 Arch Street

Boston, MA 02110