TOP PHOTO: Ginger reaches for a smooch from LMC RN Elizabeth Lawson as she administers a flu shot to David Stout at last October’s drive-thru flu shot event.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Tennova Healthcare is offering free influenza vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis to the Campbell County community.

LaFollette Medical Center will hold a Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Thurs., Oct. 7 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the hospital’s main entrance, located at 923 East Central Avenue in LaFollette. Flu shots will be offered to individuals ages 3 and older. Pregnant women must have a note from their physician to receive the vaccine. All individuals are required to wear a face covering.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. The risk of severe disease and complications from influenza is higher among young children, adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020–2021 to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.

While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, Tennova Healthcare advises people to get vaccinated now so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community. LaFollette Medical Center’s free flu shot clinic is being offered in coordination with the Campbell County Board of Education, thanks to a generous grant from the LaFollette Medical Foundation. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/29/2021-6AM)