Riverside Health System will administer free flu shots throughout the regions it serves in Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, the Eastern Shore and the Middle Peninsula.
With the coronavirus pandemic still lingering, facemasks will be required at all times at the clinic.
Temperature checks and additional safety screenings will be required prior to any patient receiving a flu shot, according to a news release from Riverside.
Patients must confirm they have none of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Patients who are sick or show any of those symptoms should contact their physician before getting the flu vaccination.
In addition, patients who are under evaluation for COVID-19, waiting on viral test result, diagnosed with COVID-19 and not yet cleared to discontinue isolation, or have had prolonged contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19 should also contact their physician before getting the flu vaccination, according to the news release.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the flu season is unpredictable and constantly changing, with the severity and length of each season changing from year to year, flu season in the U.S. generally runs through the fall and winter.
The unknowns of the season underscore the importance to get vaccinated and take every day preventative measures to prevent spreading the virus, including staying away from sick people, washing hands frequently and staying home from work and school when sick to prevent exposing others, according to the CDC.
Getting vaccinated before flu activity begins helps provide protection once flu season starts. It takes roughly two weeks following the vaccination for the body’s immune system to respond to provide the protection.
Free drive thru and walk up flu shots will be available for ages 14 and older while supplies last at the following locations:
- Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Drive-Thru and Outdoor (park and walk-up) ClinicRiverside Medical Offices
856 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite A, Newport News - Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Medical Office Building – Hampton
850 Enterprise Parkwa, Hampton - Monday, Oct. 5, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Cape Charles Medical Center
216 Mason Ave., Cape Charles - Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Outdoor Clinic (park and walk up) Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center – Peninsula
12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News - Thursday, Oct. 8, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic Eastern Shore Family Medicine, 10085 William F. Bernart Circle, Nassawadox
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic Riverside Shore Medical Center at Metompkin, 17385 Lankford Highway, Parksley
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic Newport News Medical Office Building by Riverside Regional Medical Center, 500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, 7519 Hospital Drive, Gloucester
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg, 1500 Commonwealth Ave., Williamsburg
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