Everyone receiving a flu shot at either drive-thru location is asked to fill out a consent form and register by visiting LVHN.org/flushot and following the instructions, by scanning the QR code on postcards being mailed, or by calling 1-835-215-5438, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The line also will be open on the clinic dates (Nov. 4 and 5) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For the past 25 years, LVHN’s community influenza vaccination campaign has administered over 206,000 free flu shots and collected almost 164,000 pounds of food for area food banks.
“Being vaccinated against influenza reduces the risk for illness, hospitalization and death from the flu,” said Alex Benjamin, MD, LVHN’s Chief of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. “Like many respiratory illnesses, influenza can be spread by infected individuals who are not showing symptoms, and if we are not masking as often as we have in recent years, we could see increased transmission. Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to make it their responsibility to get vaccinated.”
According to a CDC report released this month, the flu vaccine helped reduce hospitalizations by 52 percent in the Southern Hemisphere. The report noted that circulating influenza viruses were genetically similar to those targeted by the 2023-24 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine formulation, indicating the vaccine might offer similar protection if these viruses predominate during the coming Northern Hemisphere influenza season.
Dr. Benjamin said routine vaccination should be deferred for people with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, regardless of symptoms, until they have met criteria to discontinue isolation. While having a mild illness is not a reason to avoid vaccination altogether, people who are sick should avoid exposing health care professionals, family and friends to their illness.