Flu shots and skin cancer screening being offered for adults on the Key Peninsula

Posted
Staff Report

The flu season is approaching, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

Adult flu shots will be available to all members of the Key Peninsula community on Oct. 17 from 10 to 2 p.m. at the Key Medical Center, at 15610 89th Street Court KPN in Key Center, as part of the health fair being sponsored that day at the clinic.  

According to organizers, Medicare will generally cover these shots, and they will also be available to adults without insurance for a donation to the nonprofit Key Peninsula Health Center.

During the Oct. 17 event, skin cancer screening by qualified clinicians from Cascade Eye & Skin Centers will also be available, as well as tobacco cessation information and resources and mammogram referrals for qualified candidates. To schedule your skin cancer screening contact (253) 530-2936, or email jamiedobosz@chifranciscan.org.

Flu shots for adults will also be available on Wednesday Oct. 21 at the noon senior luncheon at the Key Peninsula Community Service Center, 17015 9th St, KPN.

Influenza is a viral infection that can cause serious illness and death, especially in the elderly. Each year is different, depending on how the virus has evolved over time. Scientists and doctors develop a new vaccine each year based on what they expect the new virus to be.

The flu shot works by introducing each person to a killed virus. That virus can’t make anyone sick, but the immune system learns to recognize the virus so that if the immunized person gets exposed to the virus later, one is able to avoid an infection.

It is recommended that everyone more than 6 months old should get a flu shot.

If you have questions about either flu vaccination event, call 884-9221.

For information on the flu, visit cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.


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