Stamford Kicks Off Fight the Flu Campaign

It's that time of year again: the weather's getting cooler and, as temperatures drop, it can be expects you'll start hearing a few more sniffles around the house or workplace. That's why, on Tuesday, Stamford officials kicked off the city's Fight the Flu campaign to raise awareness about getting flu shots. 

The city teamed up with Stamford Hospital to raise awareness about the need for flu shot distribution. According to Stamford Hospital, approximately 5-percent to 20-percent of the country's residents will contract flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with symptoms from flu. 

Anne Fountain, Stamford Director of Health and Social Services, said people can begin to see signs of the spread of influenza in early October and should practice "good, healthy habits to reduce the spread of" the flu through May. 

"This is a very important initiative between the city of Stamford and Stamford Hospital," Fountain said. 

Mayor Michael Pavia was on-hand to receive his own flu shot and said it was important for as many people as possible to get out and receive theirs as well. 

"Tell your family and friends to get vaccinated and keep us all safer this season," he said before rolling up his sleeve for the Stamford Hospital staff available to distribute shots. 

Ted Jankowski, Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare, also showed up to kick off the Fight the Flu event and receive his own shot.
 
"It's a very important program," Jankowski said. "Every year, 150 children die from influenza complications. We strongly recommend receiving your shot to reduce your possibility of obtaining the flu virus."

Stamford residents can receive their flu shots at the following locations and times:
Stamford Government Center Lobby
888 Washington Boulevard
Every Thursday from September 24 through November 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Late hours will be held Thursday, October 24 and Thursday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Stamford Hospital's Tully Center
32 Strawberry Hill Court
Every Monday and Thursday from September 26 through October 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. 

Residents can call the Stamford Hospital flu hotline at (203) 276-4948 with questions, comments and concerns.