Peabody offering flu shot clinics

PEABODY – Bitter cold temperatures mixed with whipping winds and snowflakes creates the perfect brew for the seasonal flu and the city of Peabody wants to help protect its residents from falling ill.”Getting a flu shot each year is the single best way to prevent the flu,” said Public Health Nurse Chassea Golden Robinson. “The flu is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.”The city will hold its first flu clinic in cooperation with the Peabody Council on Aging on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 9-11 a.m. and the second on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m. Both sessions will be held at The Torigian Community Life Center, 79 Central St., Peabody.The first clinic on Nov. 5 will be restricted to those individuals at least 60 years old and older, or to individuals with chronic conditions that put them at risk for influenza-related complications.The second clinic will be open to individuals 50 years of age or older.Residents are asked to wear short-sleeved clothing and bring a proof of Peabody residency, as well as their health insurance card. The vaccine will be administered at no charge.”We’re all trying to watch our dollar,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. “If you get the shot, you don’t get sick, and you can show up to work.”Robinson said the flu shot not only protects the individual, but also those around them.”It helps protect you from spreading it to others,” she said. “Flu shots are a safe and effective way to stay healthy this season.”For more information, contact Robinson at 978-538-5931.