County ready for massive flu shot clinic

County officials are prepared to offer free seasonal flu shots Saturday at a mass immunization clinic 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Douglas High School.

They emphasized that the shots are not for the H1N1 swine flu, but the standard virus which is responsible for 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year.

Officials have been coordinating the event for several months, enlisting the help of medical professionals, Douglas County school officials, Washoe Tribe, American Red Cross, Carson City Health & Human Services and volunteers.

When participants arrive at the high school Saturday, they will be directed to fill out paperwork and receive their free shots.

Minors must be accompanied by adults.

A drive-up line is to serve the disabled or people who have trouble walking. In addition to providing free flu shots, East Fork Fire & Paramedic districts Chief Tod Carlini said the immunization clinic will test the county's disaster preparedness.

Carlini is director of the Douglas County Emergency Management Office.

For information, contact 782-9040.