Free flu vaccination clinic set for Oct. 16

Carson City Health and Human Services has announced its annual free flu vaccination day, to be held Oct. 16.

"There will be 7,500 vaccines available that day," said CCHHS Director Marena Works, "and they'll be free."

This year's shot will include the H1N1, or swine flu, immunization.

Works told members of Carson City's Board of Health - made up of the board of supervisors, Sheriff Ken Furlong and Chairwoman Dr. Susan Pintar - that last year's clinic provided nearly 5,000 free vaccinations, but more are anticipated this year due to the inclusion of Douglas County.

The free immunizations will be offered from 9 a.m.

to 1 p.m.

A walk-in clinic will be at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Dr.

Drive-through clinics will be held at the Nevada National Guard, 2444 Fairview Drive, where drivers must present their driver's license, and in Douglas County at the East fork Fire & Paramedic Districts, Station 12, 3620 N. Sunridge Dr.

Works also gave the health board an update about other health department activities including:

• The Women, Infants and Children's program is now open on Saturdays.

• The Carson City Chamber of Commerce has selected the Carson City Animal Shelter for a cleanup project, which includes beautification and the addition of agility courses so potential pet owners can get acquainted with dogs before adopting them.

• Health teams will be going into the schools next week to offer vaccinations.

• Homeless Connect will be held Sept. 25 to offer haircuts, medical examinations and other services. New this year will be the services of a veterinarian and an acupuncturist.

• A tobacco prevention program is in place for elementary schools, and a cessation program will provide mentoring to those in higher grades.