Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and other local officials gathered Tuesday at the Bon Secours Sarah Jones Garland Center for Healthy Living at Richmond Community Hospital to encourage Virginians young and old to receive a seasonal flu shot to protect themselves and others from illness.

“Flu vaccine is plentiful, and I urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated. I get a flu shot every year because it’s easy and effective protection during a time of year when respiratory viruses are circulating,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton. “Nobody wants to be sidelined with the flu, and while most healthy people get over the flu, people with underlying health issues are at greater risk for serious flu complications.”

Nowisthetimetogetaflushotas the colder months approach when people spend more time indoors, which is often associated with elevated rates of cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 infection, Dr. Shelton and other health care providers said.

“Bon Secours is committed to improving the health status of patients in our community,” said Mike Lutes, president of Bon Secours Richmond. “We encourage members of the community to talk with their primary care providers about protecting themselves against the flu, which hospitalizes thousands of people every year.”

“Getting an annual flu shot is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness” added Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “Taking that precautionary step can help keep children healthy and in school and people going about their lives without interruption due to sickness. It can also help reduce burden on the health care delivery system during the winter months when flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases tend to increase, leading to more visits to the doctor and hospital stays.”

During Tuesday’s event, flu shots were made available to participants, including a brave and smiling Dr. Shelton who rolled up her sleeve to receive a vaccine dose.

“Getting a flu shot makes sense for so many reasons,” noted Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “Not only does it offer personal protection against illness, it is also a way to be considerate of our communities and the people around us.”

The CDC recommends that most Americans age 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot, which can reduce a person’s risk for becoming ill and can help reduce the severity of illness in people who contact the virus. Flu shots are covered by many commercial insurance plans and Medicare and Medicaid. They are available at many medical practices and pharmacies. Anyone looking for a flu shot is encouraged to visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/