Today, Riverside Health System announced it will host several free vaccination clinics throughout the region to further promote flu vaccination. These walk-up and drive-thru clinics will allow patients 9 years of age and older to receive the flu vaccine.
“Flu season is right around the corner, and getting your flu shot is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and others,” says Dr. Tom Kayrouz, chief clinical operations officer. “Typically, it takes your body two to four weeks to develop an immune response from the vaccination, so the sooner you can get the flu vaccine before flu season begins, the better.”
Patients who are sick with any of the following symptoms should attend one of the free flu vaccination clinics after these symptoms have been resolved:
● Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees)
● New-onset cough
● Sore throat
● Chills
● New loss of taste or sense of smell
● Diarrhea
● Nausea or vomiting
● Congestion or runny nose not related to allergies
In addition, patients who are under evaluation for COVID-19, are waiting on viral test results, have had prolonged contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared to discontinue home isolation should contact their provider before getting a flu vaccination.
“Riverside has offered free flu vaccination clinics for more than eight years,” says Sally Ryan, vice president and chief operating officer of Riverside Medical Group. “This year, we’re expanding our outreach efforts by partnering with churches in the area to host vaccine clinics on their campuses. Our hope is to reach more of our community members in need by increasing access to free flu vaccines closer to home.”
Riverside is committed to caring for the community and encourages any resident not yet vaccinated to stop by one of these clinics to help improve health outcomes throughout the region. Getting vaccinated before flu activity begins helps protect people once flu season starts.
Please see below for dates and locations:
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
New Beech Grove Baptist Church
361 Beechmont Drive in Newport News
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center Peninsula
12650 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Walk-Up
Eastern Shore Family Medicine
10085 William F. Bernart Circle in Nassawadox
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Hampton Medical Office Building
850 Enterprise Parkway in Hampton
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
7519 Hospital Drive in Gloucester
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Walk-Up
Riverside Shore Medical Center at Metompkin
17385 Lankford Highway in Parksley
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive Thru
Williamsburg Grove Christian Outreach Center
8800 Pocahontas Trail in Williamsburg
Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside School of Nursing
316 Main St. in Newport News
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Main Street Baptist Church
517 Main St. in Smithfield
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Brentwood Medical Center
10510 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Drive-Thru
Riverside Primary Clinic – Community Clinic
727 25th St. in Newport News
For more information on the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit riversideonline.com/flu.