Flu Shot Clinic: Sunday October 18th at The Gualala Community Center From 10am – 2pm

RCMS will be hosting its first socially distanced walk up/no appointment FLU SHOT CLINIC of the 2020/2021 flu season  
 
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 IS THE CLINIC: Gualala Community Center  (large Pay-and-Take hall).   Enter on one side of the building, exit on the other side.  (Get your shot in the middle!)
 
WHEN: Sunday October 18th from 10am until 2pm (or until we run out of shots – whichever comes first).
 
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.

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