Free Flu Shots at Virginia State Fair Oct. 4

Free flu shots will be available at the State Fair of Virginia this Saturday, Oct. 4 courtesy of the Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District.

The event will take place at the Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park in Caroline County from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only 550 doses of vaccine will be available to anyone 18 years of age and older on a first-come, first-served basis, or as long as supplies last.

VDOH encourages early vaccinations for those at higher risk of complications from influenza, including:

• Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Persons 65 years of age and older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• People with chronic medical conditions including heart, lung, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, a weak immune system (including individuals with HIV disease) and anemia

Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

• Get a flu shot each year
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your cough by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
• Stay home when you are sick

For more information, call the Rappahannock Area Health District at 540-899-4797 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

Image: Courtesy of State Fair of Virginia (Facebook)