Hospital works to "eclipse the flu"

ELKO, Nevada (October 18, 2023) – A total of 729 people received a free flu shot last Saturday at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital’s annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic. The first 300 attendees were also treated to free eclipse glasses so they could safely view the annular solar eclipse occurring at the same time.

“Our theme this year was Let’s Eclipse the Flu! It was fun to pause the clinic and watch this amazing astronomical event together,” said Steve Burrows, director of community relations at the hospital.

While the flu shots were free, attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food as a donation to Elko Friends in Service Helping (FISH). By the end of the day, 1,316 lbs. of food were collected.

“That’s nearly a hundred pounds more than was donated last year,” Burrows stated. “It’s always wonderful to see the generosity of our community, and we’re thrilled to help stock up the FISH food bank before the holidays.”

Not only did the clinic provide the community with an opportunity to get vaccinated for free; it also gave the student nurses at Great Basin College (GBC) the chance to earn clinical hours. First-year nursing students administered many of the flu shots under the watchful supervision of both their instructors and registered nurses from the hospital. Students in the Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Electrocardiogram (MAPE) program also participated in the clinic for the first time this year.

“There is such a strong partnership between NNRH and GBC,” said Burrows. “We truly value the students' participation both at this event and during their clinical rotations at the hospital throughout the year.”

Burrows also expressed gratitude to the Rural Center for Independent Living and the Elko High School Key Club for sending volunteers to help staff the event.

“It really does take an entire community to combat infectious diseases like influenza. We’re so thankful to see everyone coming together to make vaccines available to anyone who wants them,” Burrows exclaimed. “Together, we really can eclipse the flu.”

For more information on flu vaccines, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu.