Drive-thru Flu Clinic Highlights Annual Riverton Hospital Health Fair
To help more residents of the southwest Salt Lake Valley get their seasonal flu shots this year, Intermountain Riverton Hospital will offer drive-thru flu shots at its 10th annual health fair on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Only 37.2 percent of adults in the southwest part of Salt Lake County received flu shots in 2016 according to an Intermountain Community Health Needs Assessment. That's four percent lower than the national average of 42.2 percent.
Riverton and its surrounding communities have a young population and lots of children so flu prevention is key.
"Many people have the misconception that flu shots are just for older people, but flu shots are recommended for young healthy people, including children and babies over six months old. If more people get vaccinated, the flu is less likely to spread to those who are most vulnerable," said Heather Hansen, RPh, CDE, pharmacy manager of the Southridge Outpatient Pharmacy in Riverton.
Pregnant women, children under five, and adults over 50 or those with chronic conditions, are more susceptible to the flu than others, according to Utah's Public Health Data Indicator Based Information System.
"Everyone who doesn't want to get the flu should get a flu shot," said Hansen. "The drive-thru clinic provides a convenient way for healthy people and those who are vulnerable to the flu to receive a flu shot. You don't even have to get out of the car-which is helpful for people with limited mobility," she adds.
Flu shots will be provided by pharmacists and nurses from Primary Children's Hospital, who are specially trained to immunize children. Some also speak Spanish.
"Flu season begins in October. It's best to get your flu shot early, since it takes a few weeks to build up immunity," says Hansen.
The flu can lead to pneumonia, which can lead to death.
Some recent statistics:
- During the 2014-2015 influenza season, approximately 1,400 Utah residents were hospitalized due to influenza.
- Nearly 1 in 12 Utah resident deaths (7.8%) had pneumonia and/or influenza listed as the cause of death.
"Many parents get their baby or child the immunizations required for day care or school in the summer, but don't go back to their doctor for an annual flu shot in the fall," says Shellie Ring, MD, a pediatrician at Intermountain Southridge Clinic. "Not getting a flu shot for your child can have serious consequences."
What is the cost of the drive-thru flu shot?
- Riverton Hospital will only accept Medicare, Medicaid, and SelectHealth insurance at the drive-thru flu clinic. Bring your insurance card. Cost is covered.
- Other types of insurance can be billed for the flu shot inside the hospital at the outpatient pharmacy during the health fair and on a walk-in basis throughout flu season while supplies last.
- $39 for self-pay.
Free screenings available inside the hospital
Free blood pressure and body fat composition health screenings will be offered inside the hospital. Cholesterol screenings (lipid panel blood draw) will also be free this year, but patients should come having fasted for 12 hours (drinking water and taking medications is OK).
Free kid-friendly activities include:
- An interactive operating room where kids can gown up and try safe surgical instruments
- Movie characters available for photos and autographs
- Fire trucks and police cruisers on display
- Free family photo booth and adopt a pumpkin for kids
- Radio stations 97.1 and KDUT 102.3 will broadcast live from the hospital
- Free health information and giveaways
For more information, go to: www.rivertonhospital.org/healthfair