The Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Needham

Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Needham than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Needham-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was also considered high at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Needham that offer the vaccine: According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country.  Five states – Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee – are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The …

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Have You Had Your Flu Shot Yet?

Whether you are a regular to the flu vaccine or an “I never get it” kind of reader, the total vaccine story may not be one you’ve ever stopped to investigate.

Editor's note: The following originally appeared as a "Health Happenings" column on Milford Patch. "What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?" is a question I am asked daily. It truly comes down to informed consent and personal philosophy. We live in a country with much propaganda for vaccines. I was checking out at Rite Aid this week and I heard the cashiers asking all the customers if they had received the flu shot yet.  If someone responded with “No,” the employee would say “our pharmacy has them and it is free with your insurance, you really need to get one so you won’t get the flu.” … and a column was born. At this time of year everyone in the family over 6 months old is encouraged to have the influenza vaccine. This recommendation …

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 27

Season's first snow could fall on Needham tonight.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. 1. Season’s first snow? We’ll definitely see some rain, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation during the day, and we may even see some snow, according to the National Weather Service. With temperatures ranging from a high of 45 degrees to an evening low around 26, snow is considered likely in the evening, mainly before 1:00 a.m. 2. Go Rockets! The fall sports season is winding down, but there’s still plenty of action going on today. The Pollard Middle School cross-country team will host Hopkinton at 3:45 p.m. The JV and varsity boys soccer teams will host Newton North at DeFazio Park at 3:45 p.m., with Senior …

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VIDEO: Needham Health Dept. Offers Flu Shots

Town officials note importance of protection against influenza.