ROYAL OAK, Mich., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A flu shot from the Royal Oak Medical Center might cause a slight sting to your arm, but it certainly won't hurt your wallet or your budget. That's because the shots are free. For the 12th consecutive year, the Royal Oak Medical Center will offer free flu shots on October 9 and 16 in exchange for a clean overcoat or other new or gently used garment. The clothing will be distributed to the needy through local charities.
Not only are the shots free, they are also very fast and convenient. During the Royal Oak Medical Center's Drive-Thru Flu Shot event patrons can get a flu shot without leaving their car. They simply pull into the parking lot, sign a consent form, roll up a sleeve, hold out an arm and receive the shot, which is administered by a medical professional.
"We know that people lead hectic lives," said Dr. M. George, director of the Royal Oak Medical Center. "We want to make it as easy and as convenient as possible for them to be immunized and to stay healthy." To that end, the Royal Oak Medical Center will also give flu shot patrons coupons that they may redeem at a later date for a free cholesterol test and a cardiac risk assessment.
The 2003-2004 flu season was one of the most severe in the United States in recent memory. Exact figures for adult fatalities are not yet available, but the disease killed more than 150 adolescents and children. Officials contend that getting a flu shot can cut the risk of getting the disease by up to 90 percent when there is a good match between the vaccine and the strains that are circulating. Last year, according to Dr. George, though the flu vaccine was in short supply, more than 3,000 senior citizens, adults, teens and children were immunized during the Drive-Thru Flu Shot event. George hopes to surpass that number this year as the flu vaccine is now readily available.
The shots, which normally cost $25, will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Royal Oak Medical Center. In lieu of donating a garment, shots may be obtained for a $10 cash donation. All proceeds, including cash and clothing, will benefit the needy through the Salvation Army, COTS, St. Vincent De Paul Society and the Detroit Rescue Mission. During the Drive-Thru Flu Shot event, the charities will also accept any unwanted items of clothing or shoes, small household furnishing or appliances, all of which will be donated to local charities.
For those who fear needles, the Royal Oak Medical Center also offers FluMist, a nasal mist flu vaccine. FluMist is suitable for healthy children, adolescents and adults ages five to 49. However, the FluMist vaccine requires an appointment and costs $39.
The Royal Oak Medical Center provides walk-in urgent care as well as medical expertise in the areas of family practice, internal medicine, minor surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, podiatry, chiropractic care and preventive, holistic and anti-aging medicine. The Center also offers a full range of diagnostic testing including lab, x-rays, E.K.G., echocardiograms, ultrasound and osteoporosis testing. For additional information about the free flu shots call (248) 288-9500.
Royal Oak Medical CenterCONTACT: Beverly Lyons of PR Strategies, +1-248-360-9515, for Royal OakMedical Center; or Dr. M. George of Royal Oak Medical Center, +1-248-288-9500,or +1-248-252-0900
