Free Flu Shots for Homebound Adults, Beginning September 28
UPDATED: October 13, 2020
Thank you for your interest in REMSA’s Homebound Flu Vaccine program. Due to a national shortage of the high dose influenza vaccine combined with a high community response, REMSA is no longer able to provide the high dose vaccine to our community.
However, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends the standard dose vaccine be administered should the high dose not be available. To meet the CDC recommendations and the healthcare needs of our community, REMSA is offering the standard dose flu vaccine, as long as supplies last. REMSA is working through a lengthy, existing waiting list. If you have alternate options for receiving the flu vaccine, you are encouraged to do so soon. Otherwise, please call 775-353-0807 to schedule an appointment.
Thank you for your understanding.
Beginning September 28, REMSA will administer free flu shots on a first-scheduled, first-served basis to Washoe County adult citizens that are homebound, meaning they have an illness or injury that restricts their ability to leave their place of residence. Flu shots will be administered at home. Participants 65 years and older are eligible to receive the high dose vaccination which has limited availability. Community members are encouraged to call 775-353-0807 to schedule an appointment.
REMSA’s qualified registered nurses and paramedics will administer the flu shots. Additional health and safety measures will be in place in response to COVID-19. Healthcare providers will wear personal protective equipment including a gown, N95 respirator, gloves and eye protection. Additionally, all REMSA employees are screened daily with temperature and wellness checks.
Additional homebound flu shot eligibility criteria includes:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Has not received a 2020/21 flu season vaccine
Free of current acute illness (ie fever, vomiting, etc)
Does not have suspected interaction or contraindication with the standard injectable flu vaccine
Residents must reside within REMSA’s main service area of Reno-Sparks and/or Washoe County.
As flu season approaches, health experts are warning that it is possible to get both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, both of which target the respiratory system. For both the flu and COVID-19, the elderly and those with underlying conditions are more susceptible. The more people who get a flu vaccine, the more protected these vulnerable populations will be.
