Robocalls on flu vaccination to hit 45,000 Boston residents today

By Deborah Kotz, Globe Staff

About 45,000 Boston residents will be receiving automated calls from Mayor Thomas Menino’s office today urging them to get a flu vaccine if they haven’t already. Here’s a script of the call.

“I got my flu shot, and I’m asking every Boston resident over the age of six months to do the same,” Mayor Menino said. “We’re working hard to make it as convenient as possible for residents throughout the city to get vaccinated, at no cost, and I hope to see thousands of Bostonians turn out this weekend at our health centers. It’s the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family during this severe flu season.”

The Boston Public Health Commission is urging people to contact their primary care doctor to get a flu vaccination, which can be administered as a shot or as a nasal spray. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against influenza. Boston residents that need help finding where to get vaccinated can contact the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, or the Mayor’s 24-hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 after hours.

Here’s a list of clinics that will be offering free flu shots this weekend.