Flu Shots Still Available in Watertown Amidst Heavy Outbreak in Massachusetts

Flu season has hit Massachusetts hard, but the Watertown Health Department still has vaccine available for those who not gotten their shot. 

The flu outbreak in Massachusetts has been so severe that some cities have declared health emergencies. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared a health emergency, after more than 700 cases have been reported in the Hub, and 18 people across the state have died from the flu.

Watertown has had its share of cases, said Public Health Nurse Wil Van Dinter. The flu season is early this year, and people may not have taken the threat as seriously this year, Van Dinter said.

"The number of cases have been increasing, especially compared to last year," Van Dinter said. "Last year was a very mild season. That is part of the problem, people think of last year and that it wasn’t that bad."

There is still time to get a vaccination shot, Van Dinter said. 

"We have walk ins on Fridays and we have one more flu clinic," Van Dinter said.

The flu clinic will be on Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library.

The Health Department also takes walk in appointments in Town Hall on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 617-972-6446 for an appointment.

"We will keep giving shots until we run out of vaccine," Van Dinter said.

Shots are also available at CVS. See more information here.

The Red Cross offers several tips to reduce your exposure to the flu, like washing your hands often, coughing and sneezing into your elbow instead of your hand and others on this list.