Orange County to hold weekly flu clinics

GOSHEN-Weekly flu clinics for adults will start in Orange County on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Clinics will be held at the Newburgh, Goshen, and Middletown Health Department offices by appointment only. Call 291-4300 to schedule an appointment. Each vaccination costs $15. Patients covered by Medicare Part B will receive the vaccination free of charge. Clinics in Port Jervis will be scheduled shortly. County officials encourage residents 65 years and older, parents of infants, and adults who have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes and other chronic aliments, to get a flu shot. As flu season approaches, there is a lot everyone can do to help prevent getting and spreading germs that cause the flu or common cold, said Dr. Jean M. Hudson, Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Health. Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing will help. Wash hands often, especially after handling something like a pen or pencil that others have used. Better yet, carry your own to use. Many grocery stores are now providing antiseptic wipes for shopping cart handles. Just in case there aren’t any available, carry some in a pocket or purse. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. For more information on the prevention of the flu or common cold, contact the Orange County Department of Health at 291-4300.