October 8, 2020
For More Information Contact:
Tara Rose, Community Health Educator and Public Information Officer, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Deborah Whitacre, Emergency Planner, Crater Health District, Deborah.Whitacre@vdh.virginia.gov
GET YOUR FLU VACCINATION FREE AT PETERSBURG EXERCISE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Crater Health District Hosts Annual Public Health Preparedness Exercise at Petersburg Sports Complex
(PETERSBURG, Va.) – The Crater Health District (CHD) will host its annual Public Health Preparedness Exercise in the City of Petersburg at the Petersburg Sports Complex, 100 Ballpark Road from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 17, 2020.
CHD will offer free seasonal flu vaccines at a drive-thru dispensing clinic to anyone 3 years and older. The vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are encouraged to wear clothing that is loose around the arm so that the flu shot can be administered in the upper arm and you will not have to leave your vehicle. Also, please be sure to wear a mask or cloth face covering.
“It is particularly important to get a flu shot this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of both viruses being in our communities at the same time. Receiving an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu and spreading the virus to others. It is vital that everyone ages 6 months and older get their yearly flu vaccination,” said Crater Health District Director, Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH.
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
- Get vaccinated;
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds;
- Wear a cloth face covering or mask;
- Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
- Stay at home when you are sick.
For more information, visit www.craterhd.net, whttps://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/ or call 804-609-5733.
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