Flu shots available at Martha’s Vineyard clinics

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October brings thoughts of ghosts and goblins — and flu bugs. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October and can continue to occur as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s website.

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in early fall, before flu season really gets underway. Over the next month, Islanders will have several opportunities to do that.

Those who want to take advantage of Conroy Apothecary’s walk-in flu shot clinics should hurry in for the last ones tomorrow, October 14. Shots will be given from 9 am to 5 pm at the West Tisbury store at 459 State Road and from 11 am to 2 pm at the Oak Bluffs store at 82 Pennacook Avenue. The cost is $24.99.

Participants must be over 18. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 508-693-7070 or 508-696-0700.

For those who procrastinate, Vineyard Scripts at 117 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven will offer flu shots next week, October 17-21, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The cost is $25 or the amount of an insurance co-pay, if allowed. Call 508-693-7979.

The annual Island-wide flu shot clinic for adults and high-school age children will be held on Friday, November 11, from 8 am to noon at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

Pick up a registration form and access and staging information in advance of the clinic at local town halls, Councils on Aging, libraries, or local pharmacies.

Medical insurance is not required and no one is turned away. The Martha’s Vineyard Medical Reserve Corps, in collaboration with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and Vineyard Nursing Association, sponsors the clinic. For more information, contact town board of health offices.