HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Sentara RMH Medical Center administered 235 flu vaccines during its annual drive-thru flu shot event Saturday, making it the most successful event in the program’s history.

The annual event brought together dozens of volunteers from across the organization and community partners who helped keep traffic moving and vaccinations flowing throughout the morning. In addition to Sentara colleagues, 20 nursing students from Blue Ridge Community College volunteered alongside members of Craigsville BSA Troop 8.

Participants received either the standard or high-dose flu vaccine from the comfort of their vehicles while healthcare professionals and volunteers guided them through the process.

“We had people lined up before the event officially began, which shows how committed our community is to protecting themselves and their families during flu season,” said Krystal Caricofe, clinical infection preventionist at Sentara RMH Medical Center. “This event is truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to the Blue Ridge Community College nursing students, the scouts from Troop 8, and all of our Sentara colleagues who helped make it such a success.”

Caricofe said getting vaccinated early remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness as flu activity begins to increase.

“It’s important to get your flu shot sooner rather than later because it takes about two weeks to become fully effective,” Caricofe said. “Getting vaccinated now gives the vaccine time to work before we reach peak flu season around the holidays and into December and January.”

She noted that flu vaccination is especially important for people with chronic medical conditions and others at higher risk of severe illness.

“The flu can cause serious complications for older adults and people with conditions like heart disease, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, and cancer,” Caricofe said. “Getting vaccinated helps protect not only yourself, but also the people around you.”

The drive-thru event is part of Sentara’s annual effort to increase flu vaccination rates throughout the community. Flu shots remain available through Sentara primary care practices, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and other community vaccination locations.

For more information about seasonal flu prevention and vaccination opportunities, visit
www.sentara.com/flushots