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EP8 Flu Clinics

Episode 8: Becoming a Flu Fighter: Free Vaccination Clinics in Brookline

Inside Brookline Health is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical, and science-based guidance tailored specifically for our Brookline community.

Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG).

What’s Happening?

In this episode, Chris sits down with Darlene Johnson, Community Health Manager at the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services. Darlene leads critical health education and promotion programs across town, including the seasonal public flu vaccination clinics organized by the town.

Getting vaccinated is a simple, powerful act of community care. Chris and Darlene discuss why early fall is the optimal time to get your seasonal flu shot, how updated vaccines protect vulnerable community members, and how Brookline makes getting vaccinated accessible and stress-free for everyone. They share full details on the three upcoming free public clinics, specialized options for older adults, accommodations for individuals, and Brookline’s homebound vaccination program.

Key Takeaways from Darlene Johnson:
Vaccination as Community Care: Getting vaccinated protects you while building a shield of protection around neighbors, young children, and individuals who cannot get vaccinated themselves.

Optimal Timing: September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated before flu viruses begin widely circulating in the community.
High-Dose Protection for Older Adults: Adults aged 65 and older are eligible for the high-dose flu vaccine, which contains four times the strength of a standard dose to account for age-related immune system changes.

Expanded Co-Vaccination Options: The Sunday clinic at Brookline High School, offered in partnership with Walgreens, will also offer additional vaccines including COVID-19, Tdap, Shingles, RSV, Pneumonia, and Hepatitis B.

Homebound Access: Residents with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from leaving home can schedule a visit from a public health nurse or medical professional for free home-based vaccination.

Upcoming Brookline Flu Clinics:
Baker School, 205 Beverly Rd
Thursday, September 24, 2026
4:30–6:30 PM

Flu & High-Dose Flu vaccines available
Brookline High School (STEM Building), 115 Greenough St
Saturday, October 4, 2026
9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Flu & High-Dose Flu vaccines available
Walgreens will also offer COVID-19, shingles, and RSV vaccines
Driscoll School, 725 Washington St
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4:30–6:30 PM

Flu & High-Dose Flu vaccines available
Don’t wait! Schedule your flu clinic appointment today and take an important step toward protecting your health and your loved ones this season.

Register today: www.brooklinema.gov/FluClinics

Questions or concerns? Contact vaccine@brooklinema.gov
Resources & Local Support:

CARES Brookline: free online search tool that connects people with local, free, and or reduced-cost social services and programs. By searching with your Brookline zip code, residents can find assistance with needs like housing, food, healthcare, and financial aid. The service is available 24/7 and free to all users, including translated services in over 100 languages. Info here: www.CARESBrookline.com.

Brookline Food Pantry: https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/

Brookline Thrives: brooklinethrives.org

Brookline Food Pantry: https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/

Inside Brookline Health: Building a Healthier Brookline, One Episode at a Time.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Drop In Demos: Flower Crowns with Momoko Hirose

Momoko Hirose shows us how to make flower crowns and takes us through her background as a farmer and fiber artist.

This episode of Drop-In Demos was supported in part by a grant from the Brookline Commission for the Arts, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

0:00 Intro
2:49 Getting started
6:33 Momo’s farming background
9:40 Staying connected to Japanese culture
16:00 Momo’s fiber art experience
20:22 Advice for new growers
25:43 Finishing your flower crown

Episode 7: Freedom, Food, and Fairness: Grassroots Organizing as Public Health in Brookline

Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG).

Episode 7: Freedom, Food, and Fairness: Grassroots Organizing as Public Health in Brookline

What’s Happening?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Zaria Karakashian-Jones, a lifelong Brookline resident, community organizer, and non-profit and public policy professional. Recognized in April 2026 as the recipient of the Public Health Equity Award from the Friends of Brookline Public Health, Zaria serves on Brookline’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations Commission and is a driving force behind local equity initiatives.

True community health relies on structural fairness, civic engagement, and grassroots care. Chris and Zaria explore how historic and present-day systemic inequities shape the social determinants of health, connecting public health directly to racial justice. Zaria shares her inspiration behind launching Brookline’s annual Juneteenth and Pride celebrations, the evolution of the 24/7 Jennifer Coolidge Community Fridge initiative, and actionable ways every resident can strengthen community resilience.

Key Takeaways from Zaria Karakashian-Jones:
Racial Equity is Public Health: Racism is a public health crisis that shapes where people live, learn, work, and age. Historic policies and structural barriers directly dictate bodily autonomy, safety, and health outcomes today.

Juneteenth as a Health Landmark: Celebrating Juneteenth honors the end of legalized slavery, a system that strictly controlled every determinant of health, including access to safe, high-quality medical care, and living environments.

Mutual Aid Fills Critical Gaps: The Jennifer Coolidge Community Fridge provides 24/7, barrier-free access to fresh food and dry goods, complementing local food pantries to tackle food insecurity directly within the neighborhood.

Supporting Local Food Systems: Reductions in federal agricultural and food funding make supporting local farms and farmers markets vital for community nutrition, food access, and local economic resilience.
Civic Action Drives Community Health: Voting in local elections, engaging in community events, supporting local businesses, and speaking up against injustices are daily, accessible ways every resident can promote health equity.
Resources & Local Support:

Brookline for the Culture & Jennifer Coolidge Community Fridge:
Learn more about upcoming cultural celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and local mutual aid efforts.
Email: Brooklinefortheculture@gmail.com

Community Fridge Location: 7 Station Street, Brookline Village (24/7 outdoor access located across from the Brookline Village T Station)

Get Involved: Core planning for annual events begins in November/December; stipend-supported volunteer positions are available for high school youth.
Brookline Thrives: brooklinethrives.org
Brookline Food Pantry: https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/
Brookline Farmers Market: https://www.brooklinefarmersmarket.com/
Support local farms and access fresh, seasonal produce every Thursday in Coolidge Corner (see website for dates and times of operation).
CARES Brookline: free online search tool that connects people with local, free, and or reduced-cost social services and programs. By searching with your Brookline zip code, residents can find assistance with needs like housing, food, healthcare, and financial aid. The service is available 24/7 and free to all users, including translated services in over 100 languages. Info here: www.CARESBrookline.com

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.