Banner Churchill offers free flu vaccination clinic

With flu season right around the corner, Banner Churchill Community Hospital (BCCH) is sponsoring a free, community-wide flu vaccination clinic on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at 801 E. Williams Ave. at the Physician’s Center entrance.

Flu shots will be administered to anyone 4 years old and older.

Influenza is a serious disease that causes about 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations annually (in the United States alone) with symptoms including a low-grade fever, muscle or body aches, cough, sore throat headaches and fatigue. The flu vaccine carries an inactive virus and works by causing antibodies to develop in the body, providing protection against the influenza virus infection.

With the flu season at its peak from November through April, health officials recommended people get vaccinated in October or November as it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. Minor side effects include soreness or redness around the area where the shot was administered, aches and low-grade fever.

While most people recover from the flu in less than two weeks, individuals at risk for complications include people over 65 with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart diseases or lung disease, pregnant women and children. Consult a physician prior to being vaccinated for the flu.

For more information call pharmacy senior manager Alison Toigo at 775-867-7123 or email alison.toigo@bannerhealth.com.