Thousands Flock To Boston Flu Vaccination Clinics

January 13, 2013

The Associated Press

Registered nurse Charlene Luxcin administers a flu shot to a patient at the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston, on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Boston's public health commissioner says more than 6,000 people got flu shots at nearly two dozen free clinics across the city, after officials announced that a child under 6 died after being diagnosed with the flu.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer says there were long lines at the clinics Saturday. More free clinics are scheduled for Sunday and the upcoming week.

Ferrer announced the child's death on Friday, but it hasn't been confirmed whether the flu was the cause of death. Many parents say news of the child's death prompted them to get their children vaccinated Saturday.

Boston has declared a public health emergency because of the flu. State health officials have reported about 6,000 confirmed flu cases in the state and 18 flu-related deaths, all in adults.

Calendar Of Free Flu Vaccination Clinics

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This program aired on January 13, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.