Red Lake Hospital holds Mass Vaccination Drill

The Red Lake Hospital held a mass vaccination drill on Thursday, October 20, 2011, between 1 PM and 2 PM., offering flu shots at the same time for both adults and children.

Those participating in the drill received a "Goody Bag" what contained digital thermometers, Temp-Qwik thermometers, measuring items for liquid medicines, hand sanitizers, and information brochures and refrigerator magnets about dosage amounts, oral rehydration solutions, influenza (flu), washing your hands, covering your cough, and outpatient schedules and phone numbers.

According to hospital staff, there was a steady stream of participants that took part in the drill.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, everyone older than 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine this year. Even if you got the seasonal flu vaccine last year and/or the H1N1 vaccine, you should still get the seasonal flu vaccine again this year.

Getting a flu shot means you won't catch the flu, so you won't pass it to people who risk getting very sick - like babies, pregnant women, elderly people, and people who have chronic diseases.

Those most at risk for becoming seriously ill from the flu include: people age 65 or older; young children; pregnant women; people with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease; Native and African Americans and Hispanics.

For further information visit the MDH website: http://www.mdhflu.com.