How Lexington's Handling Flu Season

A health emergency’s been declared in Boston, and there are at least a dozen cases here in Lexington.

  The flu’s been in the news quite a bit lately. First the Red Cross reported flu cases were “widespread,” then Boston Mayor Tom Menino went and declared the flu outbreak a health emergency after his city saw a tenfold increase in flu cases over last year. Here in Lexington, there have been 12 confirmed cases of flu so far in January, according to Public Health Director Gerard Cody. “Communities across Massachusetts are reporting increased amounts of flu-like illness,” Cody said, “And hospitals, community health centers and health care providers are seeing higher volumes of flu patients in their facilities.”  Vaccination remains the best protection against the flu, according to Cody, who said 2,445 residents have been vaccinated at clinics…

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CDC Says the Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Lexington

Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in the Boston area than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Lexington-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Lexington the HealthMap Vaccine Finder has identified that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course): CVS Pharmacy Lexington Walgreens More locations We know there are other places, including your doctor's offices and employers, so feel free to add your go-to flu shot spot in the comment section …

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Flu Shots Tomorrow at LHS

Free flu shots and Flumist will be available to Lexington residents tomorrow afternoon as local public health officials mark National Influenza Vaccination Week with what could be their final free clinic of the year.

Public Health officials in Lexington are inviting residents to help recognize National Influenza Vaccination Week by participating in a free flu clinic tomorrow, Dec. 7, at Lexington High School. According to its website, National Influenza Vaccination Week, or NIVW, “was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.” This year, NIVW was scheduled for Dec. 4 to 10, after Lexington's public health officials have already held a handful of free flu clinics. In fact, tomorrow’s flu clinic could be the final one this year, according to Public Health Nurse David Neylon. To date this year, the Office of Community …

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 19

Open houses, a Global Girlfriend, flu vaccinations and more today in Lexington.

1. Spend an evening with Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar at the Lexington Depot. Edgar started Global Girlfriend with a $2,000 tax return and a dream of providing economic security to women in need and specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Tonight's Lexington Community Education program starts at 7 p.m. and costs $10. 2. LexFUN!'s hosting its annual Early Education Open House at 7 p.m. tonight at Cary Hall. At this event, parents get to meet with representatives from a variety of local early education and childcare facilities to find a good fit for their child.  School directors and teachers will answer questions about their programs and application/…

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Question of the Day

Question of the Day: Flu Shots?

Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Lexington's Department of Public Health has announced its first flu clinics of the season. The first, for residents age 60 and older, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5 at St. Brigid's. The second clinic is for families and will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at Cary Hall. Both are from 9 a.m. to noon. Lexington, like other towns, has been affected by a reduction in the state supply of vaccinations. But officials said the DPH will schedule additional clinics as vaccines become available, while other options include local pharmacies and primary care physicians.  So, with that in mind, we want to know, Will you and/or your family get vaccinated this year? If so, where will you go?

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Audra Myerberg

12:48 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011

The kids usually get theirs at their annual well child visit in early November but since there is a shortage we will go to the clinic at their Pediatricians office tonight. My husband gets his shot from work and I will head over to my PCP's office as usual but maybe a bit earlier this year.   more ›