The region to be prepared for flu numbers the way they looked in 2019

Rochester, New York — As flu season approaches, a facility in Rochester is preparing to provide mobile flu clinics.

Helping those who might not be able to get around, get the flu shot, Watermark’s Legacy Communities have made it easier for pharmacists to come directly to assisted living and independent homes.

“We have set up flu clinics with Health Direct, we’re partnering with them again, to provide the vaccination to all of our residents and staff,” Executive Director at Legacy Keri Cuyler said. “This system’s been working out very well for us, through the COVID vaccine and the flu clinics.”

Mike Maenza with Health Direct Pharmacy, specializes in nursing homes and group homes to deliver care. “We bring our pharmacists, we bring our support staff and we really just knock it out in a few hours.”

According to experts, this flu season could pack a punch. They are already following CDC guidelines for COVID-19, which they will keep on doing for the flu, Cuyler said.

According to Dr. Michael Mendoza, the Public Health Commissioner, the region should be prepared for flu numbers the way they looked in 2019. Last year, flu cases were lower than expected.

“As a country, prior to the 2020 flu season, we were accustomed to seeing 50,000 people die because of the flu,” Mendoza said.

In the process, preserving health and saving lives, both Cuyler and Maenza say seniors often prefer to take precautions over others.

They’re the first ones to be calling to say ‘when are we getting the flu (shot), are we getting boosters? Sign us up,’” Maenza said.

Legacy Communities also plan to follow a similar approach to outreach for COVID-19 booster shots.