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Why local doctors are making the big push to get a flu shot now!

Flu Vaccination, flu shot
Posted at 10:21 PM, Sep 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-16 23:41:16-04

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - If you're noticing a greater emphasis to get a flu vaccine this season, there's a reason.

Local healthcare providers like Riverside Health System are making a huge push. Riverside is offering nine free drive-thru and walk-up flu shot clinics in the coming weeks.

Dr. Thomas Kayrouz, the President and Chief Medical Officer for Riverside Medical Group, explains why.

"Because you've got the convergence of two major infectious disease agents - one novel that's been with us for six months that's wreaked havoc, and one is an annual challenge for us - in the flu."

Dr. Kayrouz says there's worry what might happen if the public doesn't respond in significant numbers to get the flu vaccine.

"Our concern is really that our resources are going to be stretched significantly and we won't be able to provide the support in medical services to meet the needs of flu patients, COVID patients and then just our normal patients."

And he warns that people who don't get the influenza vaccine and then get the flu that recovering from the illness compromises their immune system and makes them more vulnerable to getting COVID-19 - and potentially a more severe form of it.

Riverside is offering the free flu shot clinics for ages 14 and up while supplies last at the following locations:

Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Drive-Thru and Outdoor (park and walk-up) Clinic
Riverside Medical Offices
856 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite A
Newport News, Va.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Medical Office Building – Hampton
850 Enterprise Parkway
Hampton, Va.

Monday, Oct. 5, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Cape Charles Medical Center
216 Mason Ave.
Cape Charles, Va.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Outdoor Clinic (park and walk-up)
Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center – Peninsula
12650 Jefferson Ave.
Newport News, Va.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Eastern Shore Family Medicine
10085 William F. Bernart Circle
Nassawadox, Va.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1 to 5 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Shore Medical Center at Metompkin
17385 Lankford Highway
Parksley, Va.

Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Newport News Medical Office Building by Riverside Regional Medical Center
500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Newport News, Va.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
7519 Hospital Dr.
Gloucester, Va.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Drive-Thru Clinic
Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg
1500 Commonwealth Ave.
Williamsburg, Va.

In light of COVID-19, masks will be required at all times at the clinic. Temperature checks and additional safety screenings will be required prior to any patient receiving a flu shot.

Patients must confirm they have none of the following symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.

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