Reno/Sparks, Nev. Sept. 28, 2022 – The Washoe County Health District is hosting a free drive-through flu shot event on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.
The drive-through vaccine event makes it easy and convenient to get a flu shot for anyone 6 months and older.
Schedule an appointment for the drive-through event at the Livestock Events Center here. Appointments are recommended; however, a small number of walk-ins will be accepted.
The upcoming flu season, which peaks from October-February but can last until May, could be severe.
“Influenza data and forecasting from public health authorities around the world are indicating that it’s possible we could experience a severe flu season this year,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “It’s our recommendation that everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine to help decrease the chance you end up with a severe case of flu that could result in a medical visit, hospitalization or even death.”
The high-dose senior flu vaccine will not be available at the Oct. 1, 2022, event. Seniors 65 years and older are at increased risk for complications from the flu and should obtain the high-dose vaccine at their doctor’s office or local pharmacy. If the high dose flu vaccine is not available, people in this age group should get any other age-appropriate flu vaccine instead.
What: Drive-through flu vaccine event
Where: Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N Wells Ave, Reno
Who: Everyone 6 months of age or older
When: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free, no insurance required
Schedule an appointment: Click this link
Notes: Appointment are not required but highly recommended as walk-ins may have a longer waiting period. COVID-19 bivalent booster will also be available and can be administered on the same day, before, or after flu vaccine.
Flu vaccinations help prevent serious complications from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says those aged 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine, especially those with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. See more about those with higher risk of developing flu-related complications.
The CDC says the seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common flu viruses for the upcoming season. While vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60%. Vaccine effectiveness can vary due to the numerous types of flu viruses circulating and in part based on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine.
Also available at the event will be the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster. More information on the bivalent booster can be found here. Those looking to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 bivalent booster are asked to make an appointment for both vaccines here.
For more information and statistics about flu in Washoe County, visit our website.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.