2024 Flu and COVID-19 Clinics
Protect Yourself This Season
Sturdy Health is committed to keeping our community healthy through accessible and convenient vaccination clinics. Our flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics are open to both Sturdy Health and non-Sturdy Health patients, serving individuals of all ages, from pediatric to adult. Held at our Primary & Specialty Care location in Plainville, our clinics offer flexible appointment options and welcome walk-ins to ensure that everyone can stay protected this season. With a focus on patient care and community health, Sturdy Health makes it easy to get vaccinated and stay ahead of the flu and COVID-19.
Vaccine Safety and Walk-In Clinics
At Sturdy Health, we want to reassure our community about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. For those with egg allergies, all the covid and flu vaccines offered this year are egg-free.
The following walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be open to all ages — whether you are a Sturdy Health patient or not.
Sturdy Health's flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held on the following dates:
Sturdy Health Primary & Specialty Care – Plainville
60 Messenger Street, Plainville, MA 02762
Call 508-809-6378 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also available. You may also contact your primary care provider for additional options.
Stay Healthy This Season: Tips from Sturdy Health
By Owen G. Debowy, MD, PhD, FACP, FAAP
As a community, we know the importance of looking out for one another, especially when it comes to health. Vaccinations remain one of our most powerful tools for protecting ourselves and our loved ones from preventable diseases. As we head into flu season and continue to navigate COVID-19, ensuring that you and your family are vaccinated is a key step in staying healthy. At Sturdy Health, we're committed to providing you with the best guidance to keep our community safe.
I’m Dr. Owen Debowy, and as a primary care doctor and pediatrician, I see firsthand the difference that timely vaccinations make. Vaccines not only protect you from getting sick, but they also help to reduce the spread of illness in our community, particularly to those who are most vulnerable — young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical diseases.
The best time to get vaccinated is before flu season peaks. We encourage you to get your flu shot in September and October and the updated COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible to build up your immunity before viruses start circulating at higher levels. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine annually, and the latest COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all eligible individuals.
Simple actions can make a big difference. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can help prevent the spread of germs. Good hygiene habits are essential in protecting not only yourself but also those around you.
There is a lot of information out there, and it’s important to stay informed by turning to trusted sources like the CDC, local health departments, and Sturdy Health. Reliable information helps us make educated decisions about our health and the health of our families.
Healthy habits go hand-in-hand with staying protected from illness. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all contribute to a stronger immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections.
Recognizing the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 is key to seeking timely medical advice and preventing the spread of illness. Flu symptoms often include fever, body aches, and fatigue, while COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, including cough, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste or smell. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to stay home and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Staying Protected: Immunization Recommendations for All Ages
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a group within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state of Massachusetts follows guidance from the ACIP, which provides recommendations for controlling vaccine-preventable disease in the U.S.
Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age: We encourage parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule to keep their children protected.
Adult Immunization Schedule by Age: Vaccines are important for adults too, so be sure to check the CDC’s schedule to see what you need based on your age and health conditions.
COVID-19 Vaccines: ACIP recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines for all persons aged 6 months and older.
Flu Vaccines: Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications.
By working together as a community and staying proactive with our health, we can protect ourselves and those we care about. Stay informed, get vaccinated, and let’s keep Attleboro and the surrounding communities healthy this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
The CDC advises that everyone ages 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine annually. The flu vaccine not only helps protect against the flu, but also reduces the risk of severe flu complications.
Who Should Get the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older, regardless of prior vaccination status. Those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should check with their healthcare provider to see if additional doses are needed.
For children aged 6 months to 5 years, the number of required doses varies based on the vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) and the child’s age. Full dosing details are available on the CDC website. As the holiday season approaches and more indoor gatherings are planned, experts recommend that everyone eligible should get their updated COVID-19 vaccine by mid-October.
If I Recently Had COVID-19, When Should I Get the Updated Vaccine?
If you've recently had COVID-19, it's still crucial to stay current with your vaccinations. The CDC recommends waiting two to three months from the onset of symptoms, or from the positive test date if asymptomatic, before receiving the updated vaccine.
If I Recently Received the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine, When Should I Get the Updated Vaccine?
Individuals aged 5 years and older should wait at least two months after their last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine before getting the updated version, per CDC guidance.
Are There Any New Side Effects?
No, the side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are consistent with those of previous versions. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, chills, or a low-grade fever. These typically resolve within a day or two and can be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I Get the Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine at the Same Time?
Yes, it is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines simultaneously. Studies show that those who schedule both vaccines together are more likely to complete both, and there is no change in the immune response whether they are given together or separately.
