DHSS Press Release - Delaware Health and Social Services

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: October 3, 2017
DHSS-10-2017

MEDIA ADVISORY:
ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOW FOR A FREE FLU SHOT DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S DRIVE-THRU FLU CLINIC IS OCT. 10 IN DOVER

WHO:	The Honorable John Carney, Governor Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Nicole Majeski, Deputy Secretary, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director, Division of Public Health (DPH), DHSS
WHAT:	Drive-thru flu clinic for Delawareans ages 9 and up. DPH, in partnership with Bayhealth, will administer free flu shots from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to drivers and pedestrians. Any size vehicles and any number of people in one vehicle are welcome. American Sign Language interpreters and staff speaking Spanish and Haitian Creole will be on site. Attendees should wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothing for access to the upper arm. People who are ill on the clinic day, especially if you have a fever, or have been advised not to receive a flu vaccination by their health provider should not participate in this flu clinic. Pets should be left at home. Governor John Carney will receive his flu shot at the 11:00 a.m. press conference. DPH is running the flu clinic as a preparedness exercise, so DPH staff can practice their readiness in the event of a large-scale health emergency. Staff will follow incident command and wear identification vests.
WHY:	The flu is unpredictable and can be deadly. Getting an annual flu shot is your best protection from getting the disease. Flu shots protect the individual as well as his/her family, friends, and co-workers. During the 2016-2017 flu season, there were more than 4,500 flu cases reported in Delaware and15 flu-related deaths. DPH has scheduled numerous flu clinics statewide and urges all Delawareans, including those with access and functional needs, to get their flu shots every year. View the flu clinic schedule at flu.delaware.gov or call DPH at 1-800-282-8672. To find flu clinics in your ZIP code, visit www.flu.gov.
WHEN:	Tuesday, October 10, 2017, rain or shine Press conference is 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Flu clinic is 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE:	DelDOT Administration Building - front parking lot 800 S. Bay Road Dover, DE 19901 In case of rain, the press conference will be held indoors.
PHOTOS:	Dignitaries speaking and getting their flu shots, Delawareans lined up in their cars for intramuscular flu vaccine administered by DPH and Bayhealth nurses, and close-ups of flu vaccine. Clients who sign media consent forms may be photographed. Live broadcasts by Eagle 97.7 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and Cool 101.3 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
INSTRUCTIONS:	For fastest service, complete the Influenza Vaccination Administration Record (VAR) form and bring one form per person with you. Visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html.Greeters will also have VAR forms on hand.
QUESTIONS:	302-744-4704

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

MEDIA ADVISORY: ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOW FOR A FREE FLU SHOT DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S DRIVE-THRU FLU CLINIC IS OCT. 10 IN DOVER

Delaware's Government

MEDIA ADVISORY:
ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOW FOR A FREE FLU SHOT DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S DRIVE-THRU FLU CLINIC IS OCT. 10 IN DOVER