During the 2017-2018 flu season, 90 percent of deaths resulting from the flu were adults over the age of 65. This year, elected officials and healthcare leaders are partnering to help combat this deadly trend.
Fulton County Commissioners Marvin Arrington, Jr. and Natalie Hall and Atlanta City Councilmember Marci Overstreet have joined forces with JenCare Senior Medical Senior, Publix and National Church Residences to host a free flu shot clinic. The event for metro area residents ages 65 and older will take place at Baptist Towers (1881 Myrtle Drive, SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30311) on Nov. 15. All seniors who participate in the event between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., will receive a $10 gift card.
“It’s especially vital for Medicare-eligible seniors to receive flu vaccines ASAP,” notes Jonathan Flacker, M.D., AGSF, Market Chief Medical Officer for JenCare-Atlanta. A renowned geriatrician, Flacker adds that “the flu shot is one of the simplest ways to help keep older adults healthy and thriving as the seasons change and temperatures cool.”
Flu season peaks between December and February but can extend well into the spring. Seniors, young children and people with chronic conditions are most at risk.
“The reality is that the flu can be devastating for seniors living with diabetes, heart problems, asthma and other conditions. Happily, it’s largely preventable,” underscores James Harrington, M.D., JenCare Center Medical Director. “These types of outreach events are important to drive awareness and help seniors avoid flu-related complications and hospitalizations.”
A community focused medical practice, recent JenCare has partnered with other local businesses and charities to provide the community with dental clinics and pop-up spas to promote health and wellness services and information to local seniors. The events reinforce the company’s mission to honor seniors with affordable VIP care that delivers better health.
More information about the Nov. 15 free flu shot clinic is available at 404-780-8794.