SPOKANE, Wash. – Oct 14, 2011 – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the YMCA are teaming up to offer affordable flu shots to the community at two upcoming, easy-to-access clinics. The first clinic is Sat., Oct 22, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the North Spokane YMCA, 10727 N. Newport Hwy. The second clinic is Sat., Oct 29, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place. For children ages 6 months through 18 years, flu shots and FluMist will be free. Flu shots will be $10 for adults age 19 and older.

"We’re always striving to make flu shots in our community as accessible and affordable as possible so we can keep our residents healthy," said SRHD health officer Dr. Joel McCullough. “Last year, 87 people were hospitalized for flu in our area. As more people are vaccinated against flu, fewer children miss school, fewer adults miss work and fewer people suffer serious health problems caused by flu.”

"We are proud to partner with Spokane Regional Health District to support community wellness," said Rig Riggins, president and CEO, YMCA of the Inland Northwest. "At the Y we are committed to providing opportunities which increase healthy living and social responsibility." 
 
SRHD will be accepting Medicaid and Medicare; attendees are encouraged to bring their cards with them to the clinic. Individuals are also encouraged to fill out their registration paperwork prior to arriving—the form can be found online at www.srhd.org/fluform.

Whether it’s at these community flu clinics, or scheduling an appointment at the SRHD Public Health Clinic at (509) 324-1600, or a visit to the family health care provider, the best way to protect against the flu is by getting immunized. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine.

More information about the clinics can be found at www.srhd.org. The site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.