Ascension and BCBST to Host Free Flu Shot Nov. 7

NASHVILLE, TN — Ascension and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation will host Free Flu Shot Saturday on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate in this free drive-thru flu shot clinic at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart – Antioch Clinic (3754 Murfreesboro Pike, Antioch, TN 37013). Masks and social distancing are required. Adults and older children are encouraged to wear short sleeves or sleeves that are easy to roll up. Younger children are encouraged to wear short pants.

“To help prevent and reduce the spread of disease, Ascension Saint Thomas encourages individuals, families and communities across the nation to get their appropriate vaccinations, including their annual influenza vaccine,” said Beth Van Gilder, vice president of Physician Services, Ascension Medical Group – Tennessee. “We’re proud to partner with BlueCross BlueShield to keep our communities safe during this challenging time for those we are privileged to serve.”

Since this year’s flu season will overlap with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension and BlueCross medical experts encourage everyone to get a flu shot, especially ahead of colder weather and holidays, which are likely to increase in-person, indoor interactions. 

“We’re grateful to Ascension for partnering with the BlueCross Foundation to make Free Flu Shot Saturday happen here in Nashville,” said Chelsea Johnson, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s director of Community Relations and BlueCross Foundation. “Getting the flu shot is a safe, easy way to help keep all families healthy, and we wanted to make it even easier for our neighbors to get vaccinated.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age; but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older get a flu vaccine every year. Over the past 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines, and it prevents millions of illnesses each year. Nashville residents can find details about Free Flu Shot Saturday at bettertennessee.com/events

Looking to Advertise? Contact James Artis at the Tennessee Tribune for more information. 615-321-3268.