Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will be conducting a free flu clinic for anyone that wishes to be vaccinated on Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 10am to 1pm at the Juanita Sanchez Complex on 182 Thurbers Avenue. This clinic is being run by the City of Providence Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health and The Wellness Company.
While at the clinic enjoy the festive musical arrangements preformed by The Nueva Generacion Cristiana Band and meet The Providence Bruins Mascot Samboni who will be available for autographs and photos.
The following are the vaccinations that will be available:
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Flu vaccine will help you avoid the seasonal flu this year. Everyone older than six months of age, even those who are healthy, needs a flu shot every year. It is especially important for pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses. The flu vaccine will be available in the form of a shot or FluMist (nasal spray).
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Pneumococcal vaccine prevents pneumonia. People ages 65 and older should get this vaccine, but it is especially important for everyone 19 years and older who smokes or has asthma.
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Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine protects against pertussis (also known as "whooping cough") and will be available for everyone 11 years of age and older. There has been a nationwide increase in pertussis cases, with small clusters in Rhode Island this year. Pertussis is a contagious disease that can cause illness and sometimes death, especially in infants.
- Anyone 19 years and older and especially those who are in close contact with an infant should get a Tdap vaccination if they have not previously received one. Tdap has only been licensed since 2005 so many adults have not yet received this vaccine.
- Tdap is required for students before they enter seventh grade. Students who participate in the clinic will meet the vaccination requirement for seventh grade enrollment.
- Pregnant women must be at least 20 weeks into their pregnancies to receive Tdap vaccine.