Free flu shots help with public health preparedness in Carson City

This column addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Carson City Health and Human Services is hosting its eighth annual free flu vaccination day Saturday, Oct. 1. Over the past seven years, this popular community event has become an important health service that promotes safe vaccination as an effective flu prevention strategy. The Health Department has expanded its efforts into surrounding areas as well. Last year, additional free flu clinics were held in Douglas and Lyon Counties, and a campaign to vaccinate children in area schools is now in its third year.

This year, two free flu vaccination days are planned. Oct. 1 will be a drive-through clinic in Carson City and Oct. 15t will be a walk-in clinic in Minden.

The annual flu vaccine event is a great opportunity for Carson City residents and their families to receive flu vaccinations for free, but did you know it also is an important way for the health department, city staff and community partners to practice and evaluate plans for public health preparedness?

Public Health Preparedness means planning and developing ways to respond quickly and effectively to threats endangering the health of our community. Some of these threats include West Nile Virus, food-borne illness, and of course, pandemic influenza. The Health Department works with partners in the community, neighboring counties and the state to make sure Carson City's response to possible disease outbreaks and other public health threats is timely and effective.

Each person who attends the free flu vaccination day is helping public health preparedness planners and health care practitioners to have a better idea of what it would be like to provide emergency medications and supplies to our community during a real emergency. It tests capabilities such as effective organization, logistics such as supply chain management, and our ability to answer important health questions from people like you. Each year, new lessons are learned and our community's ability to respond to a potential emergency is improved.

If you are planning to get a flu shot or nasal spray vaccine this year, why not get one for free and participate in this important community event? Trained nurses administer the vaccine, the wait times are short, and you will be helping our entire community to stay healthy and safe, all year long.

Carson City Health and Human Services

900 East Long Street, Carson City

887-2195

Clinic Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

Well Child checks: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays

Men's Clinic: 4-6 p.m. Mondays. Call for an appt.

Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Thursdays, no appointment needed

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.orgor visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.