To meet demand and the healthcare needs of our community, Los Alamos Medical Center is proud to announce that it will host its second free drive-thru community flu shot clinic of the season from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18th in the hospital parking lot at 3917 West Road in Los Alamos. The hospital’s first flu shot clinic on Sept. 27th vaccinated more than 400 individuals in our community.

As was the case for the first event, flu shots will be offered to all individuals 9 years and older. High-dose vaccines will also be available for those who are 65 and older, as supplies last. Vaccines will be administered in a drive-thru configuration that will not require people to get out of their vehicle.

Attendees are asked to follow the signage at the hospital and follow instructions to receive their free vaccination. While this is a first-come, first-serve clinic, hundreds of doses are available so attendees are asked not to arrive before 8:30 a.m., as that will interfere with the setup of the clinic.

“We saw such a tremendous interest in flu shots at our first clinic this year that it only makes sense to make another date available,” said Tracie Stratton, CEO of Los Alamos Medical Center. “I am thrilled that so many people in our community are interested in protecting themselves and others from influenza viruses.”

While it is still possible to contract the flu after being vaccinated, studies show that vaccinations can make your illness less severe if you do get sick. Getting vaccinated also affords you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself against the flu.

Although everyone is susceptible to the flu, some individuals are at greater risk of developing complications from these viruses, including children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and those with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and blood disorders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated against the flu.