Three flu shot clinics remain
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Medical Center is midway through its free seasonal flu shot clinics in central Aroostook County. The goal is to get as many community members vaccinated as possible.
“Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things people can do to remain healthy this fall and winter,” said Jennifer Tweedie, TAMC’s manager of infection prevention. “People of all ages should get the vaccine. Any side effects are minor and last a very short time, and contrary to what some believe, you cannot get the flu as a result of getting vaccinated.”
Flu shots at the clinics are provided free of charge and are appropriate for adults of all ages (with the exception of the pediatric clinic on Oct. 31, which is for pediatric patients only).
The three remaining clinics are as follows:
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, in the Mars Hill Health Center from 4-6 p.m. The health center is located at 106 Main Street, next to Mars Hill Pharmacy. Free refreshments will also be provided.
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle from 10 a.m.-12 noon. This popular drive-up clinic will be TAMC’s last free adult flu shot clinic. Cars will be routed through the Crown Emergency Care Ambulance Garage. Signage will direct traffic.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at TAMC’s Aroostook Pediatrics practice at North Street Healthcare from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a special clinic for pediatric patients only with vaccines available for those under the age of 18.
The drive-up clinic has proven popular in past years.
“All you need to do is follow the signs in the parking lot, put down your window, complete some very simple paperwork, and roll up your sleeve,” said Dr. Jay Reynolds, TAMC’s chief medical officer and chief operating officer. “Our flu shot crew will administer the vaccine as you sit in your car. After you receive your flu shot, you can be on your way.”
TAMC is emphasizing flu vaccination because, according to the CDC, almost everyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot. When more people get vaccinated, the spread of the disease decreases, which helps protect everyone, especially older adults, the chronically ill, young children, and others who are at higher risk of developing complications from getting the flu.
At Take Flight on Sept. 26, 684 adults received their free flu shots. Drive-up clinics in Caribou and Fort Fairfield provided nearly 300 flu shots.
For more information, visit www.tamc.org or call 768-4044.
