Riverside Health System will host several free vaccination clinics throughout the region to further promote flu prevention.

A Smithfield clinic is planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Main Street Baptist Church,

517 Main St.

The walk-up and drive-thru clinics will allow patients age 9 and older to receive the flu vaccine.

“Flu season is right around the corner, and getting your flu shot is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and others,” said Dr. Tom Kayrouz, chief clinical operations officer. “Typically, it takes your body two to four weeks to develop an immune response from the vaccination, so the sooner you can get the flu vaccine before flu season begins, the better.”

Patients with the following symptoms should wait until they are healthy to receive the flu shot:

• Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees)
• New-onset cough
• Sore throat
• Chills
• New loss of taste or sense of smell
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose not related to allergies

In addition, patients who are under evaluation for COVID-19, waiting on viral test results, have had prolonged contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared to discontinue home isolation should contact their provider before getting a flu vaccination. 

“Riverside has offered free flu vaccination clinics for more than eight years,” said Sally Ryan, vice president and chief operating officer of Riverside Medical Group. “This year, we’re expanding our outreach efforts by partnering with churches in the area to host vaccine clinics on their campuses. Our hope is to reach more of our community members in need by increasing access to free flu vaccines closer to home.”

For other clinic dates and locations, visit riversideonline.com/flu.