Lexington VA Health Care System
Announcing Drive thru Flu Shot Clinics in October
The Lexington VAMC will be offering Drive thru Flu Shot Clinics in October.
According to Emma Metcalf, Medical Center Director, anyone can get influenza at any time. Because influenza viruses are always changing, annual vaccination is recommended. To make getting a shot fast and easy, we are offering drive thru flu shots every Tuesday in October,” announces Metcalf. “The drive thru clinic is only at our Leestown Division.”
Drive thru Flu Shots
Tuesdays in October
9A – 3P
Leestown Division Only
“By getting a flu shot, you can protect yourself from influenza and you may also avoid spreading it to others,” explains Metcalf. Influenza (“flu”) is a very contagious disease, which is spread by coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions. For most people, symptoms last only a few days and include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. It is very rare that serious problems occur from getting the inactivated influenza vaccine. The viruses in the inactivated vaccine have been killed, so you cannot get influenza from it. After getting the flu shot you might expect some:
- soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- hoarseness; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough
- fever, aches, headache, itching, fatigue
If this occurs, they usually begin soon after the shot and last about 1-2 days.
Why get a flu shot each year? Each year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu that year. Flu vaccine will not prevent disease from other viruses, including flu viruses not contained in the vaccine. It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after getting the shot. Protection lasts about a year.
We encourage Veterans to come to our drive thru flu shot clinic at our Leestown Division on any Tuesday in October from 9A-3P. It’s fast, easy, and convenient. No cost and no appointment necessary.
