Young and Old Stamford Residents Get Flu Vaccines

Well over one hundred Stamford residents between the ages of 20 and 80 received inactivated influenza shots at the Stamford Government Center on Tuesday, courtesy of the Stamford Hospital and the Stamford Department of Health.

The flu shot drive began at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, and people came for shots throughout the day. Without insurance or Medicare, vaccinations were $30.00 each.

"I think it's a wonderful thing to get, and not have to pay for it," said the elderly Bernice Eckstein, who uses Medicare to get her flu shot. While ages of attendees varied, the majority were elderly. "We're senior citizens; we need it," Eckstein said.

This is the thirteenth year that Stamford has provided flu shots, and each year, Stamford Hospital collaborates with the Stamford Health Deparment, according to hospital spokesperson Scott Orstad.

"During the year of H1N1, turnout was very high," Orstad said. "This year, we're on par with last year."

"We have an ample supply," Director of the SHD Anne Fountain said. Fountain has been present for seven of the thirteen vaccine drives, though this is one of her first as director of the SHD. "I think the partnership really helps."

The SHD is one of several public and private agencies providing vaccinations for the upcoming flu season, as Stamford residents can obtain flu shots in places ranging from Stamford Hospital to most Rite-Aid stores in the city.