Flu Immunization

According to the Center for Disease Control, getting immunized reduces the chances of your coming down with the flu at all by more than two-thirds and leads to milder symptoms if you do end up catching it. Since it takes up to three weeks before your body develops the antibodies necessary to prevent taking ill when exposed, and the flu virus starts sweeping through the Northeast by December, it's important to get immunized sooner rather than later. If you can't make it to one of the clinics sponsored by the County Health Departments, call your doctor.

DUTCHESS COUNTY FLU CLINICS

Red Hook: Friday, October 22, Red Hook Firehouse, Firehouse Lane. 10am to Noon.

Tivoli: Friday, October 22, Provost Park, Woods Road. 2pm to 3pm.

Rhinebeck: Friday, November 19, Church of the Messiah, 47 Montgomery Street. 10am to Noon.

For a schedule of flu and pneumonia clinics to be held in Hyde Park, Pine Plains, Poughkeepsie, Millbrook, Millerton, Pleasant Valley, and other locations around the county, call the Health Department at 486-3400 or visit their website.

COLUMBIA COUNTY FLU CLINICS

Pick up the flier available at the end of September or call 518-828-3358 for a schedule of flu and pneumonia -clinics to be held at various locations around the county, including Hudson & Germantown.