PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Officials at The Aroostook Medical Center plan six upcoming free seasonal flu shot clinics in central Aroostook County to get as many community members vaccinated as possible. The health care provider will offer three traditional walk-in clinics, including one for pediatric patients, and three of its popular drive-up clinics.
New this year, those 65 and older will be able to get a free high dose flu shot.
“We are committed to the health and wellness of our community, which is why we offer these flu shot clinics at no charge,” said Dr. Jay Reynolds, TAMC’s chief medical officer and chief operating officer. We know firsthand that it makes a difference keeping people healthy during the flu season.”
This sentiment is reinforced by the Centers for Disease Control, which recognizes flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year. 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.
Flu shot clinics will be held as follows:
Saturday, Oct. 8, 9-11a.m., drive-up clinic at TAMC’s Caribou Health Center in the Bennett Drive Shopping Plaza.
Saturday, Oct. 8, 1-3 p.m., drive-up clinic at at TAMC’s Fort Fairfield Health Center at 33 High St.
Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., walk-in clinic in Presque Isle at the TAMC Health Fair, being held in the gymnasium at Northern Maine Community College, 33 Edgemont Dr.
Thursday, Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m., walk-in clinic at TAMC’s Mars Hill Health Center at 106 Main St.
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., drive-up clinic at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital on Academy Street in Presque Isle in the Crown Emergency Care Ambulance Garage.
Saturday, Oct. 29, 9-11 a.m., walk-in pediatric flu shot clinic at TAMC’s North Street Healthcare/Aroostook Pediatrics Office on North Street.
The hospital has added a new option to the adult flu shot clinics this year, and will provide a high-dose vaccine to those 65 and older who would prefer that option.
“Older adults are at greater risk of severe illness due to influenza, as human immune defenses become weaker with age,” explained Linda Foley, TAMC’s new manager of infection prevention and policy. “Aging also decreases the body’s ability to have a good response after getting a flu shot. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine gives older people a better immune response, and therefore, better protection against the flu.”
The shots offered at the clinics are provided free of charge and are appropriate for adults of all ages (with the exception of the pediatric clinic on October 29, which is for pediatric patients only).
“Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things people can do to remain healthy this fall and winter,” said Foley. “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.”
For more information about TAMC’s fall flu shot schedule, please visit www.tamc.org or call 768-4044.
