‘Boo to the Flu’ is back and at no cost to Las Cruces residents
LAS CRUCES – Two local hospitals that have administered more than 2,000 flu vaccine doses over the last three years return to offer more drive-thru flu shots for everyone six-months and up.
Boo to the Flu, the popular Las Cruces vaccination event, returns for another year from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Three Crosses Regional Hospital, 2560 Samaritan Dr. and MountainView Regional Medical Center’s Medical Plaza, 4351 E. Lohman Ave., Bldg. 3 while flu vaccine supplies last.
Flu vaccine is supplied by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and will be dispensed free for adults and children at both Las Cruces hospitals.
“The flu vaccine is updated every year to offer the best protection against the virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH. “Getting it now allows your body time to build up its defensive antibodies as flu season begins and helps ensure they don’t run out before it ends.”
Getting vaccinated every year reduces chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness.
There is no charge for the vaccinations. Anyone with insurance is asked to bring their insurance card, including Medicaid or Medicare, with them, but it is not required.
Individuals and family members are encouraged to show up early for a place in line to improve their chances of being vaccinated at the event.
At Three Crosses Regional Hospital:
Three Crosses Regional Hospital is located at 2560 Samaritan Drive – just off North Main St. Signs will be posted at the intersection of North Main St. and Samaritan Drive. Signs will mark where on campus to find the drive-thru.
“Getting vaccinated against the flu is an important step in protecting your health and helping prevent the spread of illness in our community,” said April Heidenreich, Chief Nursing Officer at Three Crosses Regional Hospital. “At Three Crosses, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care and supporting the well-being of every patient and family we serve.”
At MountainView Regional Medical Center:
Drive-thru vaccinations will be available next door to the hospital at its Medical Plaza at 4351 E. Lohman Ave. Follow both traffic control personnel and the signs labeled “SHOT CLINIC.” MountainView personnel will be available with paperwork and instructions.
"Protecting our community starts with simple steps to prevent the spread of illness," said MountainView Chief Executive Officer Patrick Shannon. "The Boo to the Flu event makes getting vaccinated easy and accessible, helping families stay healthy throughout the season."
NMDOH recommends yearly flu vaccinations for everyone 6-months-old and older each flu season - running from October to May - especially for people in the following high-risk groups:
- Children younger than 5-years-old, especially children younger than 2-years-old.
- Pregnant individuals up to two weeks postpartum.
- People aged 50 and older.
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, and people with weakened immune systems.
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- People who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than 6-months-old.
For more information about Boo to the Flu or about flu vaccinations, please call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). You can also text the helpline at 66364 (NMDOH).
Boo to the Flu is created in partnership with the NMDOH Public Health Division, Three Crosses Regional Hospital, MountainView Regional Medical Center, the Las Cruces Fire Department, Las Cruces Public Schools, and nursing students from New Mexico State University and Doña Ana Community College.
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