Release Date: January 11, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Flu Season on the Upswing, Get Your Free Flu Shots
Metro Health holding FREE flu clinic at Alamodome January 15-16;
dental screenings available on January 16
Metro Health officials are strongly encouraging residents to receive their flu shot as the number of confirmed cases of influenza increases. Free shots will be available at a flu shot clinic scheduled for Tuesday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Alamodome, 100 Montana. Free parking is available in Lot A.
“Many people may feel a false sense of protection and forget that this is flu season due to the mild winter weather we are experiencing,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of Metro Health. “We want to remind them that flu season continues through March and the best way to avoid getting the virus is to get a flu shot.”
Hundreds of flu-like illnesses have been reported during this flu season, with many confirmed as Influenza-A. The season, which started in December, is expected to peak in February. Flu shots can help reduce the risk of contracting influenza or flu-related illnesses that can result in serious complications such as pneumonia.
The free flu shots are available to both children, six months or older, and adults. Parents of children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP are asked to bring their appropriate cards. Free dental screenings, for both children and adults, also will be available during the flu shot clinic on Wednesday only.
Thanks to a generous donation of funds for flu vaccine from the WellMed Charitable Foundation, complimented by City resources, Metro Health has immunized 28,260 adults and children for free. Another 6,400 children have been immunized through Metro Health’s Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.
“That’s one of the highest immunization rates we have seen in recent years for our local community,” said Dr. Guerra. “The partnership with WellMed has been an enormous success.”
For more information or to make an appointment at a Metro Health clinic to receive a free flu shot, residents can call 207-8894. The free shots will be available as supplies last.
