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Town Manager Austin Faison and Health Director Meredith Hurley report that the Town of Winthrop has released a video PSA encouraging residents to receive their flu vaccination this year, and are urging residents to attend the town’s upcoming free flu clinic. Click here to watch it.

The Winthrop Health Department will hold its next flu clinic on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Winthrop Middle School gym. The clinic is open to all residents age 2 and older.

“Right now is the ideal time to get your flu shot. This year, it’s more important than ever to protect from any sort of respiratory illness given that COVID-19 is also a respiratory virus, and will strain healthcare resources throughout cold and flu season,” Hurley said. “The flu shot is an additional layer of protection as we go into the winter, and will help alleviate some of the stress on healthcare providers. We definitely do not want to see a flu outbreak come our way while we’re still working to get the COVID-19 pandemic under control.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity usually begins to increase in October and often peaks between December and February, but can last later into the spring. Because of COVID-19, reducing the spread of other respiratory illness is especially important this year.

Residents will be required to wear a face-covering or mask to attend the flu clinic. Residents are also asked to wear a short-sleeved shirt.

For information about scheduling, residents should call the Winthrop Health Department at 617-846-1740.

The latest information about the Town of Winthrop’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at WinthropCOVID19.com.