NEWPORT NEWS — Riverside Health System announced Tuesday it will host several free vaccination clinics throughout the region to promote flu vaccination.
These walk-up and drive-thru clinics will allow patients 9 years of age and older to receive the flu vaccine. Riverside will conduct a drive-thru at Williamsburg Grove Christian Outreach Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Flu season is right around the corner, and getting your flu shot is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and others,” says Dr. Tom Kayrouz, chief clinical operations officer. “Typically, it takes your body two to four weeks to develop an immune response from the vaccination, so the sooner you can get the flu vaccine before flu season begins, the better.”
Riverside cautioned patients who are sick with any of the following symptoms should attend one of the free flu vaccination clinics after these symptoms have been resolved:
- Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees)
- New-onset cough
- Sore throat
- Chills
- New loss of taste or sense of smell
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Congestion or runny nose not related to allergies
Additionally, it said patients who are under evaluation for COVID-19, are waiting on viral test results, have had prolonged contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared to discontinue home isolation should contact their provider before getting a flu vaccination.
“Riverside has offered free flu vaccination clinics for more than eight years,” says Sally Ryan, vice president and chief operating officer of Riverside Medical Group. “This year, we’re expanding our outreach efforts by partnering with churches in the area to host vaccine clinics on their campuses. Our hope is to reach more of our community members in need by increasing access to free flu vaccines closer to home.”
Dates and locations:
- Wednesday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
New Beech Grove Baptist Church
361 Beechmont Drive in Newport News - Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center Peninsula
12650 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News - Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon | Walk-Up
Eastern Shore Family Medicine
10085 William F. Bernart Circle in Nassawadox - Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Hampton Medical Office Building
850 Enterprise Parkway in Hampton - Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
7519 Hospital Drive in Gloucester - Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-noon | Walk-Up
Riverside Shore Medical Center at Metompkin
17385 Lankford Highway in Parksley - Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Williamsburg Grove Christian Outreach Center
8800 Pocahontas Trail in Williamsburg - Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside School of Nursing
316 Main St. in Newport News - Wednesday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Main Street Baptist Church
517 Main St. in Smithfield - Wednesday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Brentwood Medical Center
10510 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News - Wednesday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Primary Clinic – Community Clinic
727 25th St. in Newport News
For more information on the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit riversideonline.com/flu.
