The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), along with Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project, Tulane University School of Medicine, Walgreens, the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity, Sankofa, NORD, New Orleans East Hospital, and several other health and community advocates have partnered to offer flu and COVID vaccination events to New Orleans residents. The "Flu Ready NOLA" campaign kicked off earlier this month and will hold two additional weekend events on November 12 and December 10, just in time for the holidays.

"Hospitals are seeing more and more cases of healthy people with severe flu symptoms," said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, NOHD Director. "Clinical studies show that vaccines help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death."

Many cases of the flu have already been observed in our area and are hitting children and youth particularly hard. Health experts warn that after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and social distancing practices, our communities are prime to experience an extreme flu season. The co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is safe and encouraged. Some individuals may experience arm soreness and flu-like symptoms lasting 48-72 hours after receiving either vaccine.

“It now appears that this flu season may be worse than ever before,” said Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand. “We know the flu was less seen as a serious illness during COVID but now with people coming together and preparing to go inside during the cold season, I expect that the flu will be back. The best approach to public health is to stop the disease before it happens Simply waiting for sick people to go to the hospital is not the best way to treat the flu. We know that very young people, older persons, people with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease are at risk of getting very sick from the flu.”

The Flu Ready NOLA vaccination events will offer walk-up options for everyone ages seven and older, but appointments are strongly encouraged. Members from the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC), Flu Ready Team, Xavier School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Avegno will be administering the shots at this weekend's event.

Events will take place on:

Saturday, November 12

10 AM - 2 PM

Milne Recreation Center - 5420 Franklin Avenue

Saturday, December 10

10 AM - 2 PM

New Orleans East Hospital -5620 Read Blvd

Vaccines will be available to all who are eligible and meet the requirements.

Flu shots are available for adults and children ages seven and older
The new COVID-19 Pfizer booster will be available for individuals 12+
Minors under the age 18 require parental/caregiver consent to get the shot
Individuals who get a vaccine will get a $20 gift card
Wear short or loose-fitting sleeves.
Residents can schedule an appointment by going to sankofanola.org or calling 504-592-0347
“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that it is essential that we take advantage of all medical means available to keep ourselves and family members healthy and whole,” said Councilman Eugene Green. “With this in mind, I encourage all residents, young and old, to become vaccinated to guard against the flu and Covid-19. It is the sensible and safe thing to do.” Councilman Greene will present on Saturday to meet his constituents.

The Health Department highly recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year, especially those with health conditions that may increase their risk of serious complications. Keeping yourself healthy by getting the flu vaccine makes you less susceptible to catching other respiratory viral illnesses such as COVID-19. Getting vaccinated for the flu decreases your risk of both contracting the flu and becoming severely ill if you do get the flu. Greater community coverage through the vaccine will also help alleviate potential burdens on the health care system.

In addition to the free neighborhood flu vaccination events, people can contact their health care provider or pharmacist for a flu shot.

The Health Department also recommends that everyone practice healthy habits to prevent getting or transmitting viruses by:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying home from work or school if sick.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer frequently.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with virus.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the New Orleans Health Department website at visit nola.gov/health