(NECN: John Moroney) - It's so simple, so quick that even a 6 year old can do it.
Zakai Occean and his mother are now immunized against the flu after waiting in line this morning at the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center to get their shots. It's one of 22 free clinics taking place this weekend, only days after Boston declared a public health emergency because of the outbreak of influenza.
"I heard about the deaths recently from the flu, So I've been really concerned about that so I wanted to make sure they get it this year," Sholanda Harris.
So far six people with the flu have died in Boston - five seniors and one child under the age of six. There are 750 confirmed cases in the city, and 25 percent of those patients have been sick enough to require hospitalization.
"Most patients, most resident who contract the flu virus will have full recovery. There are a small number of patients who are still at risk though for having more serious disease," said Dr. Huy Nguyen of the Boston Public Health Commission.
A senior at Northeastern, Taylor Dobbs is not sure if he's ever received a flu shot. He decided to get one this year because of his roommate.
"My roommate is diabetic and it could cause some problems for him so I want to immunize myself for that," Dobbs said.
