Flu vaccination season has officially arrived!

The first ever, public drive-thru vaccination clinic was conducted by the Putnam County Department of Health at the main office at 1 Geneva Road. Nearly 200 residents rolled down their windows and bared their sleeveless arms to public health nurses to protect themselves, their families, friends and co-workers from the flu. Getting your shot early against the flu offers the best protection, because a person builds up immunity about two weeks after the shot. The Civil Air Patrol was on site to help with logistics and crowd control.

As we continue to “Mask, Distance, Wash” our hands to protect against COVID, it is even more important to limit one’s risk of becoming ill with any respiratory illness.

The next public flu clinic is in Garrison on Wednesday, October 7, at the Garrison Fire Department, 1616 Route 9 (not drive-thru). On Friday, October 16, another drive-thru clinic will be held at the health department’s main office at 1 Geneva Road. Both clinics are scheduled from 1 to 6:30 pm.

Remember, appointments are necessary for the drive-thru event. And short sleeves, masks, and signed consent forms, available online at  www.putnamcountyny.com/immunization, are required for ALL clinics.

All photos are courtesy of Major Peter Milano, CAP, public affairs officer, Civil Air Patrol, New York Wing.