Since September, More than 40,000 Vaccinated for Flu; Still Time To Get Your Shot

Carilion Clinic's Family Medicine, VelocityCare and Pharmacy locations have ramped up their flu vaccination efforts for the 2020 flu season. Family Medicine clinics, alone, increased their vaccines by 18% when compared to 2019. In total, the three have vaccinated over 40,000 patients. 

Additionally, since September -- thanks to collaboration with community partners, including the Virginia Department of Health, Kroger, LewisGale, Roanoke City Public Schools, and the Salem VA -- Carilion's Community Health and Outreach team has completed 30 flu clinics, vaccinating over 1,200 people, which is four times more free community flu vaccinations than in 2019.

“Each community partner wanted to work together toward a shared goal of keeping our communities healthy and safe," said Cris Sheffield, community health workforce supervisor for Carilion. "These collaborations led to great conversations, sharing of ideas and sparks of hope during a time when most everyone is feeling overwhelmed.”

It's not too late to get vaccinated! Talk to your primary care provider or visit any Carilion VelocityCare or Pharmacy location to learn more.

"The push to distribute this year's flu vaccine has been critical," said Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, medical director for Carilion Infection Prevention and Control. "Flu and COVID-19 share many of the same symptoms. While we look forward to a COVID-19 vaccine, we already have one for the flu. Proactively getting vaccinated ahead of the most intense months for these viruses will save lives."