The flu shot vouchers are available at three central Brooklyn locations on a first-come, first-serve basis for New Yorkers seven years of age and older who do not have health insurance.
With the flu still going strong in New York City, the health department is now offering 1,000 vouchers for flu shots in collaboration with Walgreens. The flu vouchers are available at Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies located in areas with high rates of people without health insurance and low flu vaccination rates and will allow uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive the flu vaccine at no cost.
"Our surveillance has shown that influenza activity remains elevated throughout the city, and expanding access to this potentially life-saving vaccine is one more step we can take to ensure New Yorkers remain healthy," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
As the city and the country continue to see elevated influenza activity, the health department urges New Yorkers to get their flu shot to be protected against the influenza virus and its severe symptoms and complications.
This season, the health department has confirmed four pediatric deaths in NYC. Every year, more New Yorkers die from influenza and pneumonia than from any other infection. For the 2016-17 influenza season, there were 106 influenza-associated pediatric deaths nationally, including six influenza-associated pediatric deaths in New York City. A flu shot, administered even after influenza season has arrived, can still provide protection and mitigate the symptoms and complications should one contract the virus.
While annual flu vaccination is recommended for all people aged six months and older, it is especially recommended for those at risk of developing influenza-related complications. Those at risk include children under five; pregnant women; people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease; and those over 65 years of age.
The vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for New Yorkers seven years of age and older who do not have health insurance; they are being offered at 11 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the five boroughs. In Brooklyn, the following three locations will provide and accept the vouchers:
- Duane Reade: 724 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226-1404
- Walgreens: 1366 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221-3615
- Walgreens: 3000 Church Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226-4210
"The flu shot remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your neighbors from the influenza virus. Flu season is not over, and I urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated as soon as possible," said Bassett.
To find other locations for a vaccine, New Yorkers can call 311, visit nyc.gov/flu for the Flu Vaccine Locator or text "flu" to 877877.
