Thanks to a series of free vaccine clinics held throughout the communities it serves, Riverside Health System is pleased to announce it has administered more than 1,400 flu shots and more than 1,200 COVID-19 shots during this effort.
Riverside Medical Group (RMG) kicked off the first free vaccination clinic on September 28th and hosted 10 drive-thru and walk-up free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the Virginia Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, greater Williamsburg and the Eastern Shore. Over 150 team members from across Riverside were involved in coordinating and managing each of the clinics, which were open to patients while supplies lasted.
“For the last seven years, team members at RMG have hosted community flu vaccine clinics to make the vaccine available to those who may not have easy access to it,” says Sally Ryan, Chief Operating Officer for Riverside Medical Group. “Last year was our first year to offer both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and we were proud to continue that effort this year at all our vaccination clinics.”
The past two flu seasons have not been as severe due to masking requirements, social distancing, and practicing appropriate hand hygiene because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions continue to loosen, health care experts expect to see a spike in both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time; the likelihood of this twindemic underscores the importance of getting vaccinated.
“I am so grateful for the time and effort that our team members gave to support these vaccination events,” says Kelly Cooper, Senior Director for Primary Care Services and Access Operations. “Year after year, our team members support these events to ensure those in our communities would be able to receive vaccinations to better protect them from the flu and COVID-19.”
Riverside encourages everyone who is eligible to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information on the vaccines, visit riversideonline.com.