WINNEMUCCA — Free flu shots will be available at a drive-through clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Winnemucca Indoor Events Center on Fairgrounds Road.
The drive-through clinic is provided by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
This is the tenth year for the drive-through flu clinic for Winnemucca which has proved to be very popular in past years. This year’s event will again be on a weekday evening to hopefully avoid any conflicts with high school activities.
Drivers and their passengers will receive the vaccination while remaining in their vehicle. Ample signage will direct motorists to the proper area.
For safety reasons, you must be in a vehicle of some sort and remain in that vehicle to receive a vaccination. No one will be allowed to exit the vehicle at any time during the event.
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; no looking for parking, no getting out into the cold to walk to the clinic or store, no cost. So, take advantage of this one-time opportunity and plan on attending.
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.
During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.
DPBH”s Winnemucca Clinic will once again partner with the Frontier Community Coalition, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Winnemucca Police Department, Lowry High School students, Humboldt General Hospital’s EMTs and other volunteers to provide the Winnemucca drive-through flu vaccination clinic. Also made possible by our county commissioners who have so graciously paid for the event center fees each year.
For more information, call the Community Health Clinic at 775-623-6575; or come see us at 50 E. Haskell St. Suite B next door to 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.
