RCMS Flu Clinic Updates 2020
Flu Shot Clinics: Saturday October 24
Timber Cove Fort Ross School 10:00am – 11:00am
Manchester Community Center 2:00pm – 3:30pm
RCMS will be hosting two socially distanced walk up/no appointment FLU SHOT CLINICS.
WHY GET IMMUNIZED: During the COVID19 pandemic, reducing the risk of getting the flu is essential. Not only will this reduce the risk to your own health and that of your family (by preventing the risk of back to back flu an COVID19); it will also reduce the burden of illness seen in medical centers/hospitals; and reduce the confusion about which illness a patient has (COVID19 vs. influenza) – especially when testing for both illnesses are limited.
WHERE ARE THE CLINICS: Fort Ross School in Timber Cove, 30600 Seaview Rd. Manchester Community Center, 43970 Crispin Rd. Enter on one side of the building, exit on the other side. (Get your shot in the middle!)
WHEN: Saturday, October 24. Fort Ross School 10:00am – 11:00am and Manchester Community Center 2:00pm – 3:30pm (or until we run out of shots).
WHO CAN COME: Anyone aged 18 and older. (Children ages 6 months to 18 years are also strongly encouraged to get flu shots. Please call to make them an appointment for their shot at RCMS: 707-884-4005.)
COST: There is no charge for the flu shots, but a $20 donation is suggested.
DO WE OFFER THE HIGH-DOSE FLU SHOT FOR PERSONS 65 and OLDER? No. If you would like to get the high-dose flu shot, you will need to go to a commercial pharmacy. RCMS is unable to offer these, and our local pharmacies currently do not have any.
DOES THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES (ACIP) RECOMMEND THE HIGH DOSE FLU VACCINE OVER THE STANDARD FLU VACCINE FOR PERSONS OVER 65 YEARS OLD? As we age, the body loses its ability to develop a strong immune response after getting a flu shot; theoretically, a shot that delivers a higher antigen dose can boost an older person’s immune response. However, ACIP has not recommended the high dose flu vaccine over the traditional flu vaccine for persons 65 and older. Therefore, if you are over 65, and unable to get a high dose flu vaccine, it is acceptable to get the standard dose vaccine.
Timber Cove Fort Ross School 10:00am – 11:00am
Manchester Community Center 2:00pm – 3:30pm
RCMS will be hosting two socially distanced walk up/no appointment FLU SHOT CLINICS.
WHY GET IMMUNIZED: During the COVID19 pandemic, reducing the risk of getting the flu is essential. Not only will this reduce the risk to your own health and that of your family (by preventing the risk of back to back flu an COVID19); it will also reduce the burden of illness seen in medical centers/hospitals; and reduce the confusion about which illness a patient has (COVID19 vs. influenza) – especially when testing for both illnesses are limited.
WHERE ARE THE CLINICS: Fort Ross School in Timber Cove, 30600 Seaview Rd. Manchester Community Center, 43970 Crispin Rd. Enter on one side of the building, exit on the other side. (Get your shot in the middle!)
WHEN: Saturday, October 24. Fort Ross School 10:00am – 11:00am and Manchester Community Center 2:00pm – 3:30pm (or until we run out of shots).
WHO CAN COME: Anyone aged 18 and older. (Children ages 6 months to 18 years are also strongly encouraged to get flu shots. Please call to make them an appointment for their shot at RCMS: 707-884-4005.)
COST: There is no charge for the flu shots, but a $20 donation is suggested.
DO WE OFFER THE HIGH-DOSE FLU SHOT FOR PERSONS 65 and OLDER? No. If you would like to get the high-dose flu shot, you will need to go to a commercial pharmacy. RCMS is unable to offer these, and our local pharmacies currently do not have any.
DOES THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES (ACIP) RECOMMEND THE HIGH DOSE FLU VACCINE OVER THE STANDARD FLU VACCINE FOR PERSONS OVER 65 YEARS OLD? As we age, the body loses its ability to develop a strong immune response after getting a flu shot; theoretically, a shot that delivers a higher antigen dose can boost an older person’s immune response. However, ACIP has not recommended the high dose flu vaccine over the traditional flu vaccine for persons 65 and older. Therefore, if you are over 65, and unable to get a high dose flu vaccine, it is acceptable to get the standard dose vaccine.
Notice of October 5, 2020
FLU SHOT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
RCMS now has flu shots available for in-clinic visits. All persons age six months and older are encouraged to get flu shots this season. Please call the clinic to make an appointment for a flu shot. We frequently have same or next day appointments.
Gualala Clinic: (707) 884-4005
Point Arena Clinic: (707) 882-1704
COMMUNITY FLU SHOT CLINICS ARE BEING PLANNED
RCMS is still awaiting delivery of the flu shots we use in our community flu shot clinics. As soon as these shots become available, we will be sponsoring flu shot events that include physical distancing and following other COVID-19 safety guidelines. We will keep the community informed as the dates and locations are finalized.
HIGH DOSE FLU SHOTS
RCMS does not carry the high dose flu shots, an option for patients 65 and older. We do, however, provide the normal dose flu shot to patients in this age group. Patients wishing to receive the high dose flu shot should inquire at commercial pharmacies.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC?
YES! While the flu vaccine will not prevent the spread of COVID19, it will reduce the presence of respiratory illness in our community, and the extreme health risk of the one-two punch of getting influenza and COVID19 back to back. Preventing the confusion of which illness a person might have (influenza or COVID19) by preventing one of these illnesses will reduce the strain these illnesses create, for patients, their families/caregivers, work places and healthcare facilities. Please help create personal and herd immunity in your community this year — and get influenza immunized.
FLU SHOT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
RCMS now has flu shots available for in-clinic visits. All persons age six months and older are encouraged to get flu shots this season. Please call the clinic to make an appointment for a flu shot. We frequently have same or next day appointments.
Gualala Clinic: (707) 884-4005
Point Arena Clinic: (707) 882-1704
COMMUNITY FLU SHOT CLINICS ARE BEING PLANNED
RCMS is still awaiting delivery of the flu shots we use in our community flu shot clinics. As soon as these shots become available, we will be sponsoring flu shot events that include physical distancing and following other COVID-19 safety guidelines. We will keep the community informed as the dates and locations are finalized.
HIGH DOSE FLU SHOTS
RCMS does not carry the high dose flu shots, an option for patients 65 and older. We do, however, provide the normal dose flu shot to patients in this age group. Patients wishing to receive the high dose flu shot should inquire at commercial pharmacies.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC?
YES! While the flu vaccine will not prevent the spread of COVID19, it will reduce the presence of respiratory illness in our community, and the extreme health risk of the one-two punch of getting influenza and COVID19 back to back. Preventing the confusion of which illness a person might have (influenza or COVID19) by preventing one of these illnesses will reduce the strain these illnesses create, for patients, their families/caregivers, work places and healthcare facilities. Please help create personal and herd immunity in your community this year — and get influenza immunized.
Notice of August 22, 2020
Topics Addressed
- Timing of Flu Shots
- Where to Get Immunized
- “High Dose/Senior” Flu Shots
- Who Should Get Immunized
- Flu Shot and COVID19 Pandemic
Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) will be providing influenza vaccines (flu shots) to our community this 2020/2021 influenza season — in the form of socially distanced flu shot clinics, as well as through appointments in all of our three clinics.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED TIMING FOR THE FLU SHOTS?
You will see commercial pharmacies offering flu shots starting in August. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even in light of the COVID19 pandemic, recommends NOT getting the flu shot until September or October, due to the risk that immunity will be lost later in the peak of flu season.
The only exception are children under the age of 8 receiving the flu shot for the first time; they should get the shot as soon as it becomes available, then a booster 4 weeks later. RCMS (and all other medical facilities) order their flu shots in January, in anticipation of a September/October delivery. The arrival of our shots — some purchased from private distributors and some provided by the Mendocino and Sonoma Health Departments — is expected by early to mid-October, well within the CDC’s recommended immunization timeframe.
WHERE TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED?
RCMS will be offering socially distanced flu shot clinics and scheduled appointments for shots, once these become available, likely early to mid-October. We will announce when our shots are available on our webpage, through social media and other media outlets.
Our local pharmacies will also be able to provide flu shots with a prescription from your RCMS provider or other health care provider. Finally, commercial pharmacies outside of our rural area can provide them without a prescription.
DOES RCMS OFFER THE “HIGH DOSE” FLU SHOT FOR PEOPLE 65 AND OVER?
RCMS does not have access to this shot, and will therefore be providing the normal-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine, which is also acceptable to patients 65 and over. The high dose shot, which is felt to provide slightly increased immunity, is available at commercial pharmacies at an increased cost.
WHO SHOULD GET IMMUNIZED?
Getting influenza immunized is strongly recommended — especially for persons at increased risk of bad outcomes with the flu (children between 6 months and five years of age; pregnant women; persons (and family members of persons) with lung, heart and kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppressive, and other chronic illnesses. Getting immunized helps create herd immunity as well — reducing the overall spread of the illness through our families and community.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC?
YES! While the flu vaccine will not prevent the spread of COVID19, it will reduce the presence of respiratory illness in our community, and the extreme health risk of the one-two punch of getting influenza and COVID19 back to back. Lack of available and timely COVID19 testing is also a challenge — so preventing the confusion of which illness a person might have (influenza or COVID19) by preventing one of these illnesses will reduce the strain these illnesses create, for patients, their families/caregivers, work places and healthcare facilities. Please help create personal and herd immunity in your community this year — and get influenza immunized.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
Stay up to date on RCMS News
Sign up for The Pulse, our e-newsletter: https://www.rcms-healthcare.org/the-pulse.html
RCMS Primary Care and Urgent Care are Open
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME (707) 884-4005
Topics Addressed
- Timing of Flu Shots
- Where to Get Immunized
- “High Dose/Senior” Flu Shots
- Who Should Get Immunized
- Flu Shot and COVID19 Pandemic
Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) will be providing influenza vaccines (flu shots) to our community this 2020/2021 influenza season — in the form of socially distanced flu shot clinics, as well as through appointments in all of our three clinics.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED TIMING FOR THE FLU SHOTS?
You will see commercial pharmacies offering flu shots starting in August. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even in light of the COVID19 pandemic, recommends NOT getting the flu shot until September or October, due to the risk that immunity will be lost later in the peak of flu season.
The only exception are children under the age of 8 receiving the flu shot for the first time; they should get the shot as soon as it becomes available, then a booster 4 weeks later. RCMS (and all other medical facilities) order their flu shots in January, in anticipation of a September/October delivery. The arrival of our shots — some purchased from private distributors and some provided by the Mendocino and Sonoma Health Departments — is expected by early to mid-October, well within the CDC’s recommended immunization timeframe.
WHERE TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED?
RCMS will be offering socially distanced flu shot clinics and scheduled appointments for shots, once these become available, likely early to mid-October. We will announce when our shots are available on our webpage, through social media and other media outlets.
Our local pharmacies will also be able to provide flu shots with a prescription from your RCMS provider or other health care provider. Finally, commercial pharmacies outside of our rural area can provide them without a prescription.
DOES RCMS OFFER THE “HIGH DOSE” FLU SHOT FOR PEOPLE 65 AND OVER?
RCMS does not have access to this shot, and will therefore be providing the normal-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine, which is also acceptable to patients 65 and over. The high dose shot, which is felt to provide slightly increased immunity, is available at commercial pharmacies at an increased cost.
WHO SHOULD GET IMMUNIZED?
Getting influenza immunized is strongly recommended — especially for persons at increased risk of bad outcomes with the flu (children between 6 months and five years of age; pregnant women; persons (and family members of persons) with lung, heart and kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppressive, and other chronic illnesses. Getting immunized helps create herd immunity as well — reducing the overall spread of the illness through our families and community.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET FLU IMMUNIZED DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC?
YES! While the flu vaccine will not prevent the spread of COVID19, it will reduce the presence of respiratory illness in our community, and the extreme health risk of the one-two punch of getting influenza and COVID19 back to back. Lack of available and timely COVID19 testing is also a challenge — so preventing the confusion of which illness a person might have (influenza or COVID19) by preventing one of these illnesses will reduce the strain these illnesses create, for patients, their families/caregivers, work places and healthcare facilities. Please help create personal and herd immunity in your community this year — and get influenza immunized.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
Stay up to date on RCMS News
Sign up for The Pulse, our e-newsletter: https://www.rcms-healthcare.org/the-pulse.html
RCMS Primary Care and Urgent Care are Open
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME (707) 884-4005
A yearly flu vaccination is the best tool currently available to protect against influenza (flu). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual vaccinations as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and its potentially serious complications. Flu vaccination is also an important preventative tool for those with chronic health conditions.
- During flu season, flu shots are offered to area residents at no charge. However, a $20 per person donation is suggested and helps support staffing and other expenses related to the clinics.
- Children under 12 and pregnant women cannot receive their flu shots at a flu clinic, and should make appointments to be vaccinated at either the RCMS Gualala health center – 884-4005 – or the Point Arena health center – 882-1704.
