OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — With lockdowns, social distancing and masks, we’ve taken many steps to prevent the spread of illness in the community. But with flu season now upon us, prevention is a little bit easier.
Simply getting the flu shot can reduce the risk of catching the flu by up to 60% according to the CDC.
CHI Health and the Omaha Fire Union did their part on Tuesday by offering shots to firefighters and their families.
“Our firefighters are on the front lines, and they go home to their families," said clinic administrator Kandy Truong. "So it’s important that as they’re protecting our community and being out there, that they are protecting themselves and protecting our community.
The service is expected to serve around 1,000 people in a three-week span, hopefully preventing the illness at both fire stations and homes.
“We are interacting with the public all the time and are exposed to a lot of different things," said Matt Carmichael with the Omaha Fire Union. "And our family members are conversely affected by that also, so it's best if we can offer as many preventative things as possible.”
CHI is encouraging the public to get their flu shot as well, and will be offering drive-thru vaccinations in the coming weeks.
“There’s plenty of opportunities that we want everyone to be vaccinated, to be able to protect not just the healthcare workers, but your family and the community at large," said Truong.
