Community Hospital East will once again be offering free flu shots to the public on a first come first served basis. The vaccines are available to adults aged 18 and older.
Supplies are limited.
RELATED: Marion County hospitals enact visitor restrictions due to rising flu-like illnesses
Located at 1500 North Ritter Avenue in Indianapolis, the free flu shots will be available to the public on the following dates/times:
- Monday, October 16/9am-1pm
- Tuesday, October 17/9am-1pm
- Wednesday, October 18/9am-1pm
- Thursday, October 19/1pm-4pm
- Friday, October 20/9am-1pm
Free flu vaccines will also be given by Community Hospital East caregivers during the Irvington Wellness Fair at Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 Johnson Avenue:
- Saturday, October 21/9am-2pm
Right now, the CDC flu map, shows flu activity at a minimal level in Indiana.
However, that activity starts to increase in October.
According to the CDC, Black and Hispanic people have consistently had higher rates of severe flu outcomes from 2009-2019. Compared to White people, flu hospitalizations rates were:
- Nearly 2 times higher for Black people
- 1.2 times higher for Hispanic or Latino people
Flu vaccination coverage has also been consistently lower among Black and Hispanic adults. Vaccination coverage for the 2021-2022 flu season was:
- 54% for White adults
- 54% for Asian adults
- 42% for Black adults
- 38% for Hispanic adults
Flu vaccines are recommended by the CDC for everyone over the age of 6 months, especially those who are at risk of serious complications from the flu. The vaccine can protect you from the flu. For those that do get sick, it can make symptoms less severe.
Flu shots are also available at a Community Clinic at Walgreen’s throughout Indianapolis and at your primary care provider’s office. More information about the flu vaccine can be found on eCommunity.com.
