UHS flu clinics begin for high-risk adults

Free flu shots are now available for high-risk adults every Monday and Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m. at Harvard University Health Services at Holyoke Center.

No appointment is needed but a Harvard or HUGHP ID is required. Flu shots for adults who are not at high risk will be available beginning in November. Shortages of vaccine are not expected this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “high risk” as persons who have one or more of the following characteristics:

• are over age 50
• have long-term health problems (i.e., problems with the heart, lungs, or kidneys; asthma; diabetes)
• have a weakened immune system
• are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• are healthy but have household contact or are caregivers to high-risk adults and/or children up to age 5.

Children ages 6 months to 5 years old also are high risk. Contact pediatric services for an appointment to receive a flu shot at (617) 495-4171.

Information about the flu is available at (617) 496-2288 or at http://www.huhs.harvard.edu.