September 17, 2020 (Hereford, TX) – This year, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza is essential. The flu vaccine reduces an individual’s risk of catching the illness and helps prevent hospitalizations and deaths. 

Hereford Regional Medical Center’s clinic has vaccines in stock; appointments are available now by calling the clinic at 806/364-7512.

“We encourage everyone in Deaf Smith County to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible,” said Jeff Barnhart, CEO, Hereford Regional Medical Center. “While the flu shot can’t protect you from COVID-19, it can help you avoid being co-infected with both the flu and COVID-19, which could be miserable at best and fatal at worst.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions. The CDC also recommends getting the vaccine before the end of October, although later vaccination is still effective. Children under age eight who require two doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine is available and the second dose four weeks later.

“More than 23,000 people a year die from the flu in the U.S.,” said Barnhart. “The best thing we can do is get vaccinated before flu season begins. The vaccine is safe, and it’s effective.”

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ABOUT HEREFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is a full-service health care facility operated by the Deaf Smith County Hospital District. We operate an outpatient clinic and inpatient hospital and are designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Level IV trauma center. HRMC is governed by an elected board of directors and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. More information at dschd.org.