September 23, 2024
Media Contact: Christie Wills, Communications Officer, Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD), christie.wills@vdh.virginia.gov
Drive Thru to Fight the Flu!
ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts will offer free seasonal flu vaccinations at a special drive-thru clinic on Wednesday, September 25 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.
Drive-Thru to Fight the Flu – Roll in, Roll up, and Roll OUT!
Wednesday, September 25, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Berglund Center, 710 Williamson Rd, Roanoke
Vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those ages 6 months and older. Walk-ins welcome, while supplies last. No advance registration is required. The vaccine will be given as individuals remain seated in their vehicles. Since the flu shot is given in the upper arm, please wear clothing that either has loose-fitting sleeves or is sleeveless.
Caused by the influenza virus, “the flu” is a highly contagious infection that spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While flu vaccination is recommended as long as influenza viruses are circulating, September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccinations prevent millions of influenza illnesses each year, and tens of thousands of influenza-associated hospitalizations. Flu-related deaths range from 12,000 to 56,000 each year, averaging 34,000 per year over the last three decades.
“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said RCAHD Health Director Cynthia Morrow, M.D., M.P.H. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get updated respiratory vaccines this fall, before the respiratory virus season is in full swing.”
Media Availability:
Media are invited to schedule advance on-site interviews at the Berglund Center ahead of the event (RSVP required).
WHEN: Tuesday early afternoon, September 24, by appointment
WHERE: Berglund Center Parking Lot
To RSVP: Email christie.wills@vdh.virginia.gov no later than 10am on Tuesday, 9/24 to schedule an advance on-site interview early Tuesday afternoon.