Plan to attend an upcoming NCMC flu shot clinic
GREELEY, Colo. (Oct. 8, 2008) — The flu comes around every year bringing this dreadful illness to the masses – up to 20 percent of the population according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. North Colorado Medical Center’s Wellness Services says the much-needed immunization can help keep you out of the doctor’s office or hospital.
Although most healthy people infected with the flu virus can weather the infection without problems, the flu can cause serious sickness in some, especially those at high risk for complications. Each year, the highly contagious seasonal bug kills 36,000 people and sends another 200,000 to the hospital.
The flu vaccine reduces the average person’s chances of catching the flu by up to 80 percent.
NCMC Wellness Services offers flu shot clinics beginning in October at convenient locations throughout the area. New this year is a walk-in flu shot clinic at Summit View Medical Commons, 2001 70th Ave., in Greeley. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 1:30-6 p.m. Wednesday from Oct. 20 through Nov. 14. For other dates, times and locations of the 19 clinics, please visit www.bannerhealth.com keyword: NCMC Flu Shots. Or call 970-350-6006.
Flu vaccinations are available to people ages 9 and older. Children ages 9 to 17 may get a flu shot but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must complete and sign a written consent form for the child to receive the vaccination. Pneumonia and tetanus shots are available to people ages 16 and older.
Medicare billing is available for flu and pneumonia vaccines. Please bring your Medicare Part B card. Supplemental cards are not accepted.
The flu season technically lasts from November until April, but it is best to try to have your family vaccinated before mid-November. You can still be immunized later, but getting the vaccine early gives the body enough time to build up immunity to or protection from the flu virus before infection rates start to climb in the cold months.
The flu virus changes each year and the vaccine prevents infection from only a few of the viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. Also, in some cases, the vaccine doesn’t give complete protection against the flu viruses targeted by the vaccine. But, even if someone who has gotten the vaccine gets the flu, symptoms are usually fewer and milder.
For more information about Wellness Services and the flu shots available, visit www.bannerhealth.com, keyword: NCMC Flu Shots or call 350-6006.
Flu shot clinics:
Thursday, Oct. 16
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Briggsdale School
38605 WCR 88.5, Briggsdale
Friday, Oct. 17
7 a.m.-noon
Weld 50+ Health and Job Fair
525 N. 15th Ave., Greeley
Island Grove Exhibition Hall
Monday, Oct. 20
4-6 p.m.
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St., Greeley
Union Colony Room
Tuesday, Oct. 21
10 a.m.-noon
Kersey Senior Center
415 First St., Kersey
Tuesday, Oct. 21
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Greeley Senior Center
1010 Sixth St., Greeley
Wednesday, Oct. 22
5-7 p.m.
Platteville Public Library
504 Marion Ave., Platteville
Thursday, Oct. 23
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St., Greeley
Union Colony Room
Thursday, Oct. 23
4-6:30 p.m.
Eaton Town Hall
223 1st St., Eaton
Saturday, Oct 25
2-4 p.m.
Summit View Medical Commons
2001 70th Ave., Greeley
Tuesday, Oct. 28
9-11 a.m.
Windsor Community/Rec Center
250 11th St., Windsor
Tuesday, Oct. 28
5-7 p.m.
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St., Greeley
Union Colony Room
Thursday, Oct. 30
8:30-11 a.m.
Evans Recreation Center
1100 37th St., Evans
November
Tuesday, Nov. 4
10 a.m.-noon
Greeley Senior Center
1010 6th St., Greeley
Wednesday, Nov. 5
4-6 p.m.
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St., Greeley
Union Colony Room
Friday, Nov. 7
10 a.m.-noon
Windsor Community/Rec Center
250 11th St., Windsor
Friday, Nov. 7
5-7 p.m.
Evans Recreation Center
1100 37th St., Evans
Tuesday, Nov. 11
10-11 a.m.
Work Out West
5699 W 20th St., Greeley
Thursday, Nov. 13
10 a.m.-noon
Life Care Center
4800 25th St., Greeley
Thursday, Nov. 20
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St., Greeley
Union Colony Room
