The flu season is almost upon us, and Equity is planning ahead to keep its members healthy by once again sponsoring its Annual Broadway and Off-Broadway Free Flu Shot Program this fall. In its 20th year now, the free flu shot program is offered through Physician Volunteers for the Arts, which is funded by a generous grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Because the best time to get a flu shot is between September and December, we will be offering free flu shots on the 14th floor of the New York City Equity Building from 10am to 3pm on the following dates: Tuesday, September 25; Thursday, October 18; Thursday, November 15 and Thursday, December 6.

Several strains of respiratory flu circulate around the world every winter from late December through March. Being highly contagious, these viruses can spread quickly through theatres and offices, unfortunately leading to many lost workdays. It is highly recommended that people who work in close quarters – like backstage areas – or are exposed to large groups of people receive flu vaccinations. For this reason, our Free Flu Shot program is available not only to members, but also to EMCs, staff, building tenants and pretty much anyone in the entertainment industry.

Medical Director of Physician Volunteers for the Arts Dr. Barry Kohn will be giving flu shots on a walk-in basis for all members of the theatre community. Kohn will also be visiting Broadway and Off-Broadway casts, non-profit theatre companies and theatrical union offices to provide shots to anyone who would like one. Los Angeles-area Members will also have the opportunity to receive a shot when Kohn travels to the LA Equity Office on October 3 and 4, from 10am to 12pm.

Last year, 5,238 total flu shots were provided to the Broadway and Off-Broadway community. Of those, 1,400 shots were given out at Equity Offices.