Where to Get a Flu Shot in New Haven

New Haven is a great college town. At any given Starbucks you'll find students from Yale University, Quinnipiac, SCSU, Albertus Magnus, University of New Haven, and several other colleges as well as many local high schools. Unfortunately dorm life can be conducive to colds and flu - you can wash your hands endlessly, get plenty of rest, and take all of the precautions that are recommended, but if your roommate comes home with the flu, you will likely have a lot of exposure to the flu before your roommate is feeling sick himself. And as bad as it is for everyone else to get so sick as a dog for two weeks, missing two weeks of classes (or even exams) can make your grades pretty sickly looking too. So if you want some protection against the flu, here's a list of places that you (as well as non-students) can get a flu shot.

If you are a college student, the first place to check is your university health care center or infirmary. You can probably get one for free and since it's on campus it will likely be the most convenient option for you. Check with your health center's website or give them a call.

If you are not a student (or your health center runs out faster than you can get there), there are several options:

1) Walgreens - Walgreens offers flu clinics at many locations in the area. Check their website to find the locations and times that the flu shot is available at the one that is most convenient for you. It should be noted that in case of a shortage, the flu shots that they do have will be given to those who are deemed at highest risk - which may or may not include an able-bodied college student. If you do have a risk factor (such as asthma) mention that and you will likely be able to get a flu shot even if there is a shortage.

2) CVS - CVS offers the same service as Walgreens. You can either call (800) 746-7287 or visit their website to find times. For locations that offer a MinuteClinic ™ service, it will cost $30 (your insurance will likely cover it - bring your insurance card along) and you can go 7 days a week, nights and weekends as well. Who knows, it could make for an interesting date on a Saturday night - dinner and a flu shot.

3) Quinnipiack Valley Health District - if you are local to Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, or Woodbridge you can get a flu shot at one of times and locations listed on their website. If you are not a resident, it will cost you $5 more, which your insurance will not reimburse. But since they offer afternoon hours, an extra $5 may be worth it if it fits into your schedule.

4) Visting Nurse Association (VNA) - your local VNA will likely be sponsoring a flu shot clinic in your community. Check http://www.vnascc.org/ for times and locations. The VNA is also likely to be limited to those at high risk in case of a shortage.

5) Your doctor. If you are not a student or you have a doctor outside of your school, he or she will likely have them around now. If you until January, it's a jump ball as to whether they will have run out or not.

6) Work - some companies in the area offer flu shots. Can't get easier than that - sign up and stroll over to get your flu shot when the day and time comes. Many local companies will even pay for it.

7) The ultimate resource for flu shot clinics is the American Lung Association flu shot clinic website (www.flucliniclocator.org). It has pages upon pages of local flu shot clinics, including many of the above, and is constantly updated. This serves not only New Haven but is nationwide. You will more than likely find one that works for you.

It seems like there is never a good time to go get a flu shot this time of year, but it takes a few weeks to reach full effectiveness, so don't be kicking yourself for not getting one or not getting one earlier in a couple of months. Missing two weeks (or more) of school and/or work will be far more inconvenient than going for a flu shot now.