Don’t Skip Your Flu Shot—Protect Your Family, Protect Our Community
Last year’s flu season was one of the worst in more than ten years. Thousands of people were hospitalized, and sadly, 280 children across the country lost their lives. Here in Connecticut, only about half of adults got the flu shot. That means too many families were left unprotected.
Dr. Chad McDonald, our Chief Medical Officer at InterCommunity, puts it simply:
“With over 280 children lost and hospitalizations at a 10-year high, last flu season proved one thing: skipping your shot isn’t just risky—it’s deadly for you and the community.”
This year, getting your flu shot matters more than ever—especially for people in communities like ours. The Connecticut Department of Public Health notes that neighborhood poverty is associated with lower flu vaccination rates, even as overall rates improve statewide. And according to Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Black and Brown residents are less likely to receive recommended vaccines. These disparities mean that communities of color in Greater Hartford are at higher risk for serious illness from the flu, especially when combined with other health challenges like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
At InterCommunity, we’re working to close that gap. Our clinics make flu shots easy, affordable, and accessible for everyone. When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting your neighbors, elders, and children.
This fall, let’s look out for each other. Roll up your sleeve. Get your flu shot. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect your community.
