Chelsea Health Center

Was a fan when it was open. Currently under renovation so it is CLOSED. I did see a trailer parked n the corner doing HIV screenings but that wasn’t what I came here for.

Went 8 in the morning and got vaccine around 1 pm in after

I have been here a few times from getting my flu shot, and MMR vaccinations free of charge. However other reviewers stated that MMR vaccinations is no longer provided at this location.
My most recent visit 9/​2013, I got a pap smear which was long overdue free of charge.
They also give you the option to view your results online.
Only once did I had an unpleasant experience. I waited over 30 mins on a Saturday morning before been told that they were not taking any more people, so next time if you decided to go on a Saturday get there early.

It takes forever (Got there at 8:30, done by noon) but it’s free immunizations, free PlanB, free condoms (male and female), and free whatever else you need. Thank you government funding!

Excellent place. Went in at 11:30 am on a Monday for a tDap shot and I was out by 12:30. I would have gotten 2 shots and be out by 12:30 but I opted out of the second shot.
I went in and got a number in the back room first and told the receptionist there what vaccines I needed. I went to another room across the hall and waited maybe 30 minutes (I was number 64 and they were up to 56) to be called in and give my information (DOB/​allergies). Then, I was directed back to the first room (where I got my number) where I was called within 5 minutes.
Everybody was very pleasant. The nurse, Pam, was very informative and professional. She was kind enough to explain why I couldn’t get the second vaccine because I may be allergic to it. The person who administered the shot, Rebecca, was very nice as well.
Even though I got the painful tetanus shot (it didn’t start to get sore until later in the day), I left that place smiling. Can’t really beat that.

One hour total — not bad for a government run agency. (is it? i think so.)
I just needed one vaccination, so got there at 8:30 for opening and there were already 6 people in line. Took about 10 minutes to get to the check-​in lady for the forms to fill out, and you sit in the waiting room.
20 minutes later I got called in for another lady to look through the forms and do whatever for 5 minutes, give you back some privacy form you signed and you’re sent out in the waiting room again.
Finally 25 minutes later I got called in to do the actual vaccination. Sure is a lot of red tape for a 600 square foot clinic. Just bring something to read. Oh, and they told me it totally varies at what time they’re busy. Usually morning is best, but you might get stuck behind a million other early birds. Or it’s super busy at 830, then a lull at 9 – 11, then busy again in the afternoon. They are after all closed at 230. But if I go again I’d definitely go at 830 anyway again to avoid early-​bird pile up.

This place is great in that they have all types of flu shots in stock right now and you can get them all for free!
Thimerosal, which contains a form of mercury, is used as a preservative in some versions of the influenza vaccine, so I’m always a teeny bit hesitant about getting the flu shot. In general, I’m the type that looks up which fish and shellfish have the lowest mercury levels, etc., before ordering. (You should note that the type of mercury present in vaccines is different from the methylmercury found in seafood.) I did some research and found out about a thimerosal-​free version of the influenza vaccine. However, I also found out that it’s not usually in stock and comes at a premium. Alas, everything just seemed so complicated, so I initially planned to not get the flu shot this year.
Finally, I decided that I should get the seasonal flu vaccine, no matter the type, because I am going on vacation soon and I don’t want to be sick on vacation. I’d actually missed the flu shot clinic at my office, so I found Chelsea Health Center at the NYC DOH website and decided to check it out.
When I entered, I was directed to the receptionist. I asked for the seasonal flu vaccine and inquired regarding the availability of the mercury-​free version. Much to my delight, it was available! I wasn’t planning to get the swine flu vaccine, but the receptionist told me that it was also in stock and that they had a low-​mercury version of it, too, so I decided to go with both! Then, I just had to fill a little bit of paperwork and go through a flu screening, but the whole process was pretty painless. The most annoying part is probably waiting for them to call your number. It took about 1.5 hours total, and I left the center with two nice dots in my arm. (Btw, the shots are just a prick.) Everyone was nice and courteous, and the place, while busy and understaffed, seemed in control. They even give you this nice little «passport to health» booklet to help you keep track of your vaccines.
This place is amazing in that it had different types of influenza vaccines in stock and that they don’t charge you at all. I’m not really sure why anyone would pay at the pharmacy flu shot clinics like Walgreens and K-​Mart when this place is available.