Free vaccine clinic available for residents in Sun Cities

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center officials are preparing for the last three free vaccine clinics.

The center, at 13049 N. 103rd Ave., will host the free COVID and flu vaccines 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 15, Wednesday, Feb. 21, and Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the privacy of private clinic rooms.

“We have 150 spots available and for those who sign up, they will also get a free breakfast coupon at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center as a thank you and to introduce the community to the breakfast offered at our center,” said Banner Olive Branch Senior Center Director Jennifer Lawless.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports in a press release that adults 65 years of age and older are at higher risk for flu -complications, and the CDC estimates that between 70%-85% of flu-related deaths have occurred in people older than 65.

Vaccines are provided by a grant from the National Council on Aging for the COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake Initiative; this program is supported by funding from the Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Ensuring free access to flu and COVID-19 vaccines for seniors is a vital commitment to safeguarding their health, promoting longevity, and fostering a resilient community against infectious diseases,” said Lawless.

She added the process is quick and the team from Banner Family Pharmacy will be providing the vaccines.

Reservations are required; call 623-465-6000. Participants must have insurance to participate in this clinic.

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Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_independent.