News release from the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania/Danville Health District (PDHD) will hold a COVID-19 and influenza (flue) vaccination clinic Friday, October 22 at the Danville Community Market located at 629 Craghead Street. This clinic will offer both the influenza and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. The clinic will start at 9 a.m. and go until noon. Persons wanting both the influenza vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccination can get them at the same time at this clinic. No appointment needed. Walk-ins are welcome.
“With the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death.” said Pittsylvania/Danville and Southside Health Districts Health Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH.
The clinic will offer first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine at no cost to anyone 12 years old and older. Those under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present.
Additionally, the clinic will offer third doses and boosters of the Pfizer vaccine in accordance with CDC guidelines.
The influenza vaccine will be also be available at no cost for anyone 18 years of age and older.
“The same mitigation measures we have been using for COVID – washing hands, watching distances and crowds, and wearing the mask – are also effective to help reduce spread of influenza; however, just as a vaccination for COVID is the optimal way to help prevent that illness, a vaccination against influenza is the best way to help protect people from that disease,” Dr. Spillmann said. “Typically, in a normal year, millions of people contract the flu, more than 250,000 are hospitalized, and at least 40,000 unfortunately succumb fatally to its wrath. Some years these numbers are even higher. One concern is that since fewer people were exposed to influenza last year, then more might be at risk for this virus (which is different from the one causing COVID-19). The better protected we are from each of these illnesses, the less at risk we are from serious consequences from either of them.”
PDHD recommends continuing to wear a mask correctly, staying at least six feet from others outside of your household, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands often.
The clinic will have areas for waiting at safe distances both before and after vaccination, and have arranged more private vaccination areas for those with special needs. Please wear ‘vaccine ready’ clothing if possible (giving easy access to your upper arm). Bring the COVID-19 vaccination card given to you with your first dose, or driver’s license or other documentation confirming your identity.”