CHI Health, in cooperation with Siena Francis House, Open Door Mission, and other sheltering agencies, will offer flu shots free of charge. Nursing staff from Omaha’s Visiting Nurse Association will administer the vaccine.
“Visiting Nurse Association is honored to partner with community organizations to ensure all individuals get vaccinated against the flu,” said James Summerfelt, VNA President & CEO. “Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.”
According to experts, it is important that everyone get a flu vaccine this year — especially people living with certain chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, or diabetes, who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
“People experiencing homelessness, in particular, are a high-risk group for contracting infectious disease due in part to living in group settings,” says Candace Gregory, president & CEO, Open Door Mission, and Linda Twomey, executive director, Siena Francis House. “This year, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to vaccinate 500 people who utilize our services at Siena Francis.”
CHI Health, through CommonSpirit Health, received more than 1,000 vaccines as part of a grant through philanthropically sponsored COVID-19 relief. The purpose of the grant is to help protect underserved populations who cannot readily access the vaccine.
“At CHI Health, we believe in making the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable. By coming together with these agencies, we can provide care outside our hospital walls—something that wasn’t possible alone. Now together, powered by our humanity, we can truly advocate for a healthier future for everyone,” says Pam Kayl, VP of Nursing at CHI Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older in the United States get a flu vaccination, but it is particularly important for people at high risk of complications from influenza.
Those who feel they may qualify for a free flu shot are welcome to visit one of these upcoming flu shot clinics for the underserved:
Open Door Mission
2706 N. 20th St.
December 16th from 10:00 am to Noon
Siena Francis House
1117 N. 17th St. – Emergency Shelter
December 17th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For more information about this year’s flu vaccination, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)