First Flu Clinic a Success

Last Saturday morning, along with several other Winthrop residents, Councilor-At-Large, Tracey Honan, got her annual flu shot at the town-wide flu clinic. Located at the EB Newton School, the flu clinic was the first of many that will be provided this season. According to Honan, the process went smoothly thanks to the many volunteers who helped in keeping people socially distant from one another. 

“The Council on Aging handed out small bags of candy, which was a nice gesture for some of the kids that had a tough time with the shot,” said Honan who gets her flu shot every year, alongside her husband, Matt. “We want to stay healthy and ensure our community stays healthy, as flu season approaches, and with the pandemic still in full swing.” 

Town Nurse, Meredith Hurley said that this was the first flu clinic for the season and more will be scheduled throughout October and November as soon as more of the vaccine arrives.

“We started the day with 140 Flu shots and 100 intranasal flu vaccine,” said Hurley. â€œWe were out of the flu shots by noon and gave about 30 intranasal doses as well. I am currently awaiting the remainder of flu doses that I have ordered, which I hope to have in the next days. We will have an additional 750 doses available as we expect increased demand over past years.” 

The flu clinics are held at the E.B. Newton School, 45 Pauline Street, in the rear parking lot off of School Street (drive-thru) and the Fremont Street Circle across from the Winthrop fire station, 40 Pauline Street (walk up).

Any homebound seniors in need of a flu shot can contact the Senior Center at coareception@town.winthrop.ma.us or 617-846-8538 to make arrangements.

The next clinic is expected to be held during the second week of October, and the exact day and time will be announced once that information is finalized.