September 22, 2016
For More Information Contact:
- Kathryn Whitestone, 434-972-6244
Thomas Jefferson Health District, Public Information Officer
(Arrington, Va.) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Nelson on Tuesday, September 27. The exercise will be held at Nelson County Middle School at 6925 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 22949 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. Shots will be administered on a first come first served basis.
“We are happy to provide Nelson County residents with access to free flu shots. It’s a win-win for us to provide the community with the opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu while we test our ability to respond to public health emergencies,” said Ryan McKay, TJHD Emergency Coordinator.
The exercise, including the flu vaccine, is funded through the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, which is responsible for responding to any emergency impacting public health through preparation, collaboration, education and rapid intervention. Exercises such as this contribute to the local health department’s ability to provide widespread access to vaccine during public health emergencies.
The Thomas Jefferson Health District is testing three public health emergency response capabilities:
- Coordinate Emergency Operations
- Dispense vaccine in an efficient and timely manner
- Issue public information alerts, warnings, and notifications
For more information, people can call the Nelson County Health Department at (434) 263-8315.