Sept. 28, 2016
- WHAT: Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Be Wise —
ImmunizeSM program will mark the start of flu season with shot clinics
across the state providing free or low-cost flu shots to protect more than
1,400 Texans from
influenza, or flu.
- WHEN: Oct. 1-Nov. 8,
2016 (See schedule below.)
- WHERE: Your community and others across the state (See schedule below.)
- WHO: Be Wise clinics are hosted by TMA physicians, medical
students, TMA Alliance members (TMA physician and spouse volunteers), county
medical societies, and community immunization coalitions
TMA will provide vaccinations and
educate Texans about the importance of getting flu shots, at events throughout
October and into November. The events kick off on Oct. 1, which is designated
as Influenza Awareness Day to remind people the flu is a severe respiratory virus,
much worse than the common cold.
Flu complications can send people to
the hospital — and even be deadly. Young children, elderly people, pregnant
women, and people with chronic medical conditions are most at risk. Doctors
say everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccination every year
to protect themselves and those around them.
TMA’s Be Wise ― Immunize program has given
more than 300,000 shots to Texas children, adolescents, and adults since the
program began in 2004. Funding for Be Wise — Immunize is provided by the TMA Foundation thanks to
generous support from H-E-B, TMF Health Quality Institute, and gifts from
physicians and their families.
Below is a schedule of Be Wise flu events in October/November.
TMA’s
Be Wise — Immunize Schedule: Flu Clinics in October/November
10/1
Health Fiesta on the Beach (free shots)
Sponsor: Stephen Vaughn, MD, and Mercy Effect
Where: Bethesda Community Church, 4700 N. Beach St., Haltom City, 10:30 am-2 pm
10/7
Presidio-Ojinaga Binational Health Fair (free shots)
Sponsor: Drs. Adrian Billings and Katie Ray, and Presidio County Health Services
Where: Presidio High School, 701 Hwy. 170 E., Presidio, 4-7 pm
10/14-15
Texas Licensed Child Care Association Conference (free shots for conference attendees)
Sponsor: Bexar County Medical Society (CMS) Alliance
Where: Region 20 Education Service Center, 1314 Hines, San Antonio, 11 am-1:30 pm
10/15
5th Annual Health Fair (first 100 shots are free; $15 after that)
Sponsor: Parker CMS
Where: North Main Baptist Church, 910 N. Main, Weatherford, 9 am-Noon
10/15
Bee Healthy Immunize (low-cost shots)
Sponsor: Health Center of Southeast Texas
Where: Cleveland High School Track, 1600 E. Houston St., Cleveland, 9 am
10/22
Hopefest 2016 (free shots; open to the public)
Sponsor: Lamia Kadir, MD
Where: Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman Dr., Austin, 9:30 am-3 pm
10/22
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic (free shots)
Sponsor: Paris-Lamar County Health District and Lamar-Delta CMS
Where: First Federal Community Bank, 3010 N.E. Loop 286, Paris, Noon-4 pm
11/8
Flu Clinic at South Plains Food Bank (free shots; open to clients or potential clients of the Food Bank)
Sponsor: South Plains Immunization Network (SPIN) and Lubbock-Crosby-Garza CMS Alliance
Where: South Plains Food Bank, 5605 MLK Blvd., Lubbock, 9 am-4 pm
TMA is the largest state medical society
in the nation, representing more than 49,000 physician and medical student
members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies
around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of
all Texans. TMA Foundation raises funds to support the public health and
science priority initiatives of TMA and the Family of Medicine.
Be Wise — Immunize is a service mark of the Texas
Medical Association.
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Contact: Brent
Annear (512) 370-1381; Cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org
Marcus
Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336; email: marcus.cooper[at]texmed[dot]org
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