Free drive-through flu shot clinic happens this week
October 22, 2012Annual ‘Boo on the Flu’ event to administer around 1,500 free shots
Collaborative and unique drive-through event held in Honor Heights Park
EASTAR Health System Auxiliary, Muskogee Medical Foundation, EASTAR Health System, Muskogee Parks and Recreation and Muskogee County EMS will be hosting the 18th annual Boo on the Flu, a free drive-through flu shot clinic, in Honor Heights Park. The event takes place on Friday, October 26 starting at 8:00 am and continuing until all shots have been administered or 4:00 pm, whichever comes first. Approximately 1,500 shots are to be administered. The entrance for this year’s event will be Honor Heights Drive off W. Okmulgee St. Shots will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis to people aged 18 and over. Staff cannot board buses or vans to administer the vaccine. EASTAR Health encourages all interested adults to consult their doctor before receiving the vaccine. All persons will be required to sign a consent to receive the flu shot. Other sponsors for the event include City of Muskogee, Muskogee County Health Department, City and County Emergency Management, Love Bottling, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and Little Caesars Pizza.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the following people should not receive the Influenza vaccine without first checking with a doctor: People who are allergic to chicken eggs or have a severe allergy to any component to any vaccine, people who have had a severe allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine, children younger than 6 months of age, people who have moderate-to-severe illness with a fever on the day of the vaccine (they should wait until they recover to get the vaccine) and people with a history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome. Women who are pregnant or who think they may be should consult their doctor prior to receiving the vaccination. People are encouraged to consult their doctor if they have any other questions about receiving the flu vaccination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza is a contagious illness which is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza, or ‘the flu’ as it is commonly called, is spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Some people are at greater risk for complications from the flu, such as children, older people, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions. The CDC says that the single best way to prevent the flu each year is to get vaccinated.
People may call the EASTAR Health System Public Relations Hotline at 918-684-2363 to listen to a recorded message for more information about this and other events.