In October, nearly 600 people received flu shots at 21 free community flu shot clinics hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).
BCBSNE hosts the clinics annually as part of its mission to be a champion for the health and well-being of its members and the communities it serves. Community members aged six and up were invited to get their flu shot, regardless of health insurance coverage.
This year, health care personnel from Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Public Health Solutions and Red Willow Health Department collectively administered nearly 12% more flu shots throughout the month-long campaign compared to 2022’s clinics.
“Getting your flu shot is an essential part of preventing illness, protecting not only your health but also the health of those around you,” said Dr. Josette Gordon-Simet, BCBSNE’s chief medical officer.
BCBSNE teamed up with 18 YMCAs across the state to provide the 2023 clinics. In addition to clinics hosted at Nebraska YMCAs, BCBSNE hosted two clinics at its Omaha headquarters in Aksarben Village and a clinic at a YMCA in Sioux City, Iowa. The increase in flu shots administered was, in part, due to more YMCA locations participating in this year’s campaign.
“We were delighted to expand our clinic locations this year,” said Kathy Nellor, health transformation leader at BCBSNE. “YMCAs have warmly welcomed community members to join forces in fighting the flu. Thank you to every YMCA location, our vaccine administration partners and especially everyone who came to a flu shot clinic for helping us fight the flu this season.”
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