Wang Jialian Community Medical Center held two community open days to provide free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to people without medical insurance._1

The Wang Jialian Community Medical Center is hosting Community Open Day events to provide free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals without health insurance. Advance appointments are required, and interested parties can call (212) 966-0461 to schedule a time or learn more details.

The center will hold two Community Open Day events—one in Flushing, Queens, and the other in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The first event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM, at the Community Resource Center located at 131-72 40th Road, 5th Floor, Flushing. The second event will take place on Saturday, November 9, from 10 AM to 4 PM, at 268 Henry Street, 1st Floor, Manhattan. Vaccination hours for both events are from 10 AM to 1 PM. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the medical center’s facilities and access a variety of health resources.

With flu season approaching and the ongoing spread of COVID-19, these vaccination events are crucial for protecting community health. Participants can receive the flu vaccine as well as the latest Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Again, those interested must make appointments in advance by calling 212-966-0461.

Dr. Nuna Kim, the medical director of the center, emphasized, “As a community health service provider, we are committed to ensuring that our patients and local residents have access to critical preventive care services. The flu vaccine helps reduce the severity of flu cases and curb its transmission, while the updated COVID-19 vaccine offers effective protection against new variants.”

The flu vaccine for the 2024-2025 season has been updated to better respond to circulating strains, providing optimal protection. Annual flu vaccinations are particularly important for high-risk groups, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Similar to the flu vaccine, the latest COVID-19 vaccine is specifically designed for recent variants, offering stronger protection, especially for those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past year. Getting vaccinated helps decrease the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and long COVID symptoms, which may persist after initial infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older receive annual flu vaccinations. Additionally, it advises those aged six months and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for those aged 18 and older who have not yet received the latest booster.

Participation in both vaccination events requires advance appointment booking due to limited availability. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 212-966-0461.

For over 50 years, the Wang Jialian Community Medical Center has been a leading healthcare provider dedicated to serving under-resourced communities in Manhattan and Queens, particularly the Asian community, by offering quality and affordable medical services. The center is open seven days a week, accepts most major health insurance plans, and has six conveniently located sites throughout Manhattan and Queens, providing comprehensive primary care for adults and children. The center’s mission ensures equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, language proficiency, or immigration status. To learn more about the Wang Jialian Community Medical Center, visit their website at www.cbwchc.org/index_ch.asp or for additional information at www.cbwchc.org.