{"id":9574,"date":"2022-10-07T11:39:02","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=9574"},"modified":"2022-10-07T11:42:05","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:42:05","slug":"new-river-health-district-offers-free-seasonal-flu-vaccine-at-drive-thru-clinic-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2022-regional-news-releases\/new-river-health-district-offers-free-seasonal-flu-vaccine-at-drive-thru-clinic-2\/","title":{"rendered":"New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine at Drive-Thru Clinic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dublin, Va.<\/strong> \u2013 The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12-7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle in Dublin.<\/p>\n

The free vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those 8 years old and above. The vaccine will be given as individuals remain seated in their vehicles. Since the flu shot is given in the upper arm, it is important for those attending the clinic to wear clothing that either has loose fitting sleeves or is sleeveless.<\/p>\n

Influenza, commonly called \u201cflu,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications, said Noelle Bissell, M.D., director, New River Health District. This unique \u2018drive-thru\u2019 approach is proven to be fast, efficient and a more comfortable way for those seeking a vaccination. It is especially important to get a shot this year because COVID-19 is still circulating and getting infected with both flu and COVID-19 can increase the severity of illness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness. Deaths attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 56,000 annually with an average of 34,000 per year over the last three decades.<\/p>\n

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:<\/p>\n