People who were turned away for vaccinations assured it won't happen again

A group of residents seeking flu vaccinations at a local supermarket Thursday were turned away because the contractor doing the job couldn't get an employee there until the afternoon.

"It was a long line," said Helen Wiemer, who arrived at the store in the early afternoon with her husband, Stan.

The couple was near the front of the line, which she described as more than an aisle long. They finally obtained flu shots after 3 p.m., she said.

Raley's supermarkets assures residents there shouldn't be similar problems during the rest of the planned local clinic sessions.

The Carson City store, at 3701 S. Carson St., is scheduled to continue hosting flu vaccinations today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. More clinics will be offered during the same hours from Oct. 25-28.

The first day of the immunization clinic was Wednesday, and it went on as scheduled.

But people who came in the morning and early afternoon Thursday were offered numbers to use so they wouldn't have to wait when they returned during any of the flu clinic days, according to the grocery chain's corporate office.

And to further "make up for any inconvenience," there will be $5 discounts for people paying cash for their vaccinations, said Jennifer Ortega, a company spokeswoman.

Offering flu shots has become an important service the chain provides to its customers. This is the 12th year Raley's has hosted flu vaccinations events. Last year, the chain hosted events allowing 80,000 people to obtain flu shots at their stores in Northern Nevada, Northern California and New Mexico, Ortega said.

Call 882-3116, or visit www.raleys.com for details.

The city also offers flu vaccinations at its Community Health Care Clinic. Call 887-2195 for information.

Vaccinations should be available at a variety of other locations until the end of November, according to the Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition.

Children - except those age 6 months and younger - up to age 5, people with compromised immune systems and chronic diseases, caregivers, and people 50 and older definitely should get vaccinated.

People with allergies - eggs, for example - should ask their doctors for advise before getting vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

Get vaccinated

Raley's: Call 882-3116, or visit www.raleys.com for details.

Community Health Care Clinic: Call 887-2195 for information.