Veteran Flu Shots Are Here

Gerald Peterson served in the Air Force for 21 years, and never misses a chance to get a flu shot. Nurses from the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center were standing by with a thousand influenza vaccinations and the veterans at the Supermarket of Veteran Affairs event were waiting. Peterson admits, he`d rather brave the needle than the aches and pains of the flu. "It feels like you actually want to die," explained Gerald Peterson, Air Force Veteran. "You get on up in age, it`s a good idea, I used to do it on the job because we were dealing with a lot of people so you never know what you`re going to come in contact with," said Luther Marze. The VA Medical Center usually receives their vaccines in October but a delay in the shipment tested the veteran`s patience. Most of them weren`t upset but rather thankful they were still able to get one. Health care professionals always stress the importance of getting a shot each year. "It`s very important for the elderly to get the flu shots especially those with chronic diseases and illnesses, to prevent them from getting the flu, it could be worse for them," commented Betty Henderson, RN for Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. After serving our country, Peterson says it`s time for veterans to take care of themselves. "If they don`t take it and get the flu, it`s their own fault." Overton Brooks VA Medical Center Flu Shot Clinics are free for veterans already enrolled in the VA system or eligible for care in the VA system. November Dates Tuesdays 1-3PM Wednesdays 1-3PM Thursdays 1-3PM December Dates Wednesday 1-3PM