CARMEL- The days are getting shorter. Temperature fluctuations are more common.
With the arrival of autumn comes the beginning of the flu season, and Putnam County health officials are urging the public to consider receiving a flu shot.
“While flu vaccines and other childhood vaccines continue to be widely available throughout Putnam County at pharmacies and healthcare practices our health department nurses will also be out in the community, providing flu vaccines at all public schools and at three public immunization clinics on the east and west sides of the county for residents over the age of 18,” said Putnam Health Director Rian Rodriguez.
The public clinics for adults are set for September 28, at the Carmel Fire Department, followed by one at the Garrison Fire Department, on October 7, and the final clinic at the Carmel Fire Department on October 19.
Clinics run from 2 to 6 p.m., and online registration is encouraged at
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended childhood vaccination for more than 90 years. The organization also recommends flu shots for children starting at six months of age, provided they are healthy and have no health issues that might cause complications. Both parents and pediatricians have relied on the advice of this organization made up of more than 67,000 pediatricians, all committed to the health and well-being of children, infants to young adults. Over the years the schedule has been adjusted to include more vaccines that have been proven to be evidence-based.
Rodriguez called immunization “more important than ever, particularly as vaccination rates have declined in some communities.”
Measles is a good example. Putnam’s most recent case in June 2025, which was acquired travelling abroad, was contained due in part to the health department’s rapid response, including educational outreach and vaccination where necessary. “Putnam County’s relatively high rate of vaccination may have also contributed to the containment,” said Rodriguez.
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