Protect yourself from the flu
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best defense against the flu is to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and get vaccinated. With winter right around the corner, now is the time to get your annual flu shot. Most local pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, provide flu shots at no cost with a health insurance card.
Philadelphia’s City Health Centers (listed below) also provide flu shots for free. Proof of Philadelphia residency is required. You do not need to have health insurance. Face masks must be worn inside the building. Walk-in vaccination hours are 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Flu vaccine appointments can also be made by calling 215-685-6784.
Health Center 2: 1700 S. Broad St., Unit 201 (at Tasker Street)
Health Center 3: 555 S. 43rd St. (at Chester Ave.)
Health Center 4: 4400 Haverford Ave. (44th St.) | Walk-in vaccinations begin at 8 a.m.
Health Center 5: 1900 N 20th St. (at W. Berks Street)
Health Center 6: 301 W. Girard Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Health Center 9: 131 E. Chelten Ave. (at Lena St.)
Health Center 10 Annex: 2230 Cottman Ave. (at Oakland st.) | Walk-in vaccination hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Strawberry Mansion Health Center: 2840 West Dauphin St. (at 28th St.)
Health Center 1 only provides STD testing and treatment. There are no health centers 7 or 8.
For more information about the flu and to access the City’s interactive flu clinic map, Click Here>>
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
