RCMS to Host Combined Flu Shot and COVID-19 Shot Clinic

Saturday October 2, 2021
9:00 am to Noon
South Coast Volunteer Fire Department
39215 Church Street, Gualala

RCMS will be hosting a combined flu shot and COVID-19 shot clinic at the South Coast Volunteer Fire Department this Saturday. You can come to get your flu vaccine, your COVID-19 vaccine (first, second, third, or booster dose), or both at the same time!

Who can get flu or COVID-19 shot? Anyone 12 years and older.

Can one get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine on the same day? YES

Is RCMS offering the high dose “senior flu shot”? No. We only have the standard dosing. This is the shot RCMS offers every year. The CDC advises that either the standard dose or high dose flu shot is acceptable for persons older than 65 years of age. If you want to get the higher dose “senior shot”, please check with commercial pharmacies outside our area. RCMS will not be offering the high dose flu shot.

Why should I get a flu shot? Influenza (the flu), like COVID-19, can cause some very serious respiratory illnesses. During COVID-19 times, it is much more important to prevent the flu, because having both infections in our community can increase risk for patients, but also increase confusion regarding “which illness” you have and can lead to challenges for our clinic and ambulance staff, as well as loss of time from school and work. Flu plus COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against potentially serious respiratory illnesses.

What COVID-19 shots are being offered at this event? We are offering Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson.

Can I finish my two shot series? Yes! Please bring your vaccine card. Your second Pfizer dose is three weeks from the first. Your second Moderna dose is four weeks from the first.

Can I get a third COVID-19 vaccine?
THIRD DOSE: If you are immunocompromised and need a third dose to complete your three shot series, you can get a third MODERNA or PFIZER dose with a doctor’s order. This can be given one month or more after your second shot. Please bring your vaccine card.

BOOSTER DOSE: Booster shots have been approved for PFIZER recipients only, if it has been more than six months from your first vaccine, and you meet the following criteria. Please bring your vaccine card.

• Older than 65 or
• Have a history of heart/lung/kidney disease, diabetes, overweight/obesity, cancer, dementia, Down syndrome, HIV infection, liver disease, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, stroke or substance abuse or
• Work in a high risk/high public exposure professions, including health care providers, EMS workers, firefighters/first responders, and grocery store workers.

What if I cannot attend this vaccine clinic? RCMS is currently providing COVID-19 vaccines in the triage/screening house outside of the main Gualala clinic Mondays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We hope to soon start flu shots there as well. RCMS is also planning additional flu shot clinics throughout our services area. More information will follow once dates and locations are finalized.

​What if my child is less than 12 years old? You can make an appointment for your child to get a flu shot at RCMS as a patient visit. Currently, COVID-19 shots have not approved for children under 12 years of age. Please call RCMS at 707-884-4005 to schedule an appointment.

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