Riverside Health System offering free flu shots

As flu season arrives, Riverside Health System is providing free flu shots this year across the Peninsula.

The shots being administered will be given on a first come, first served basis for everyone 14 and older while supplies last, according to a news release from Riverside.

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.

Here’s the schedule:

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. DRIVE-THRU
• Location: Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg, 1500 Commonwealth Ave.

Gloucester

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. DRIVE-THRU
• Location: Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, 7519 Hospital Drive Gloucester

Riverside Health System announced the following safety measures will be in place during the clinics based on CDC and VDH guidance:

• In light of COVID-19, masking 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.
• 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 the symptoms noted above 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.

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