Photo: Getty Images
Schenectady County Public Health is hosting a no-cost vaccination clinic today, offering both COVID-19 and flu vaccines to residents aged three and older. The clinic, which is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is located at the Honorable Karen B. Johnson Library on Clinton Street in Schenectady. No appointments are needed, and vaccines will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The clinic is part of the county's efforts to keep the community healthy during flu season and amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is in partnership with Walgreens through their Community Offsite Immunization Program. Attendees are asked to bring a form of ID and insurance card, if available. Walgreens will bill insurance for covered patients.
According to Schenectady County's official website, the clinic aims to help those who may not have access to these important vaccines. Schenectady County Legislator Omar McGill, Vice-Chair of the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee, emphasized the importance of access to vaccines in keeping the community healthy.
The clinic comes as the state Department of Health begins providing weekly flu reports, with a recent 42% increase in positive cases compared to the previous week, according to the Daily Gazette. State Health Commissioner James McDonald is urging all New Yorkers six months and older to get their annual flu shots to protect themselves and curb the spread of the disease.