Free flu shots will be available at a drive-through clinic on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Winnemucca Events Center on Fairgrounds Road. The drive-through clinic is provided by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
This is the fourth year for the drive-through flu clinic for Winnemucca. It has proven very popular in past years. Last year’s drive-through event had to be changed to a walk-in clinic because of a delayed vaccine shipment. DPBH doesn’t foresee any problems this year, so the drive-through event will be back.
Drivers and their passengers will again receive the vaccination while remaining in their vehicle. For safety reasons, you must be in a vehicle of some sort to receive a vaccination. If you do not have transportation, plan on carpooling, as this is an excellent opportunity to get your flu shot at no charge and with little effort.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone older than six months receive an annual flu vaccine, especially children and those who are at high risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia if they get sick with the flu:
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease; as well as their caregivers and close contacts.
• Pregnant women.
• People 65 years and older.
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
The Humboldt County Community Health Clinic will once again partner with the Frontier Community Coalition, Humboldt General Hospital EMS team, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Winnemucca Police Department, Lowry High School students and others to provide the Winnemucca drive-through flu vaccination clinic.
For more information, call the Humboldt County Community Health Clinic at (775) 623-6575; or come see us at our new clinic location, 50 E. Haskell St. Suite B between Northern Nevada Eye Care and Gentle Dental to pick up your consent form in advance of the drive-through event. Consent forms will also be available at the Winnemucca Senior Center.
