REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. -Â Beebe Healthcare held a free flu clinic Wednesday at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. More than 100 people got their shot. According to Beebe, last year was its "most successful flu campaign in recent memory." While flu activity was low in 2020, there is still some uncertainty for this season. That is why health experts are pushing for flu vaccinations. Beebe says last year demand outpaced supply.
Because of that, the healthcare system is announcing clinics in two week windows until the end of November.
"We've done close to 20 clinics at this point. We are about halfway through our season, so we look forward to offering everybody in the community their free flu shot this year," said Kim Blanch, director of community outreach at Beebe Population Health.
Sheila Hines stumbled across the clinic while on a walk with her dog.
"I do normally get a flu shot and I wanted to make sure this year I had it, because they were talking about it maybe being worse because we haven't been exposed as much in the last couple of years and I don't want to get sick," said Hines.
Last year there were concerns of a "twindemic" but instead we saw a decrease in flu cases in Delaware.
"Wearing a mask, watching our distance, and frequent handwashing, really contributed to that decreased number as well as an increase in flu vaccinations, we gave more last year than we had in any year previous," said Blanch.
The vaccine will begin to provide protection up to one to two weeks after the shot is given.
Beebe says 70 percent of people who get the flu vaccine are completely protected and the other 30 percent have partial protection.
"I've been doing it for years and I hope to avoid getting the flu. The science says you have a much better chance of avoiding the flu if you get the flu shot, so I follow my doctor's advice and get the flu shot every year," said Carl Coan.
Blanch says the last thing you want is COVID and the flu at the same time.
"We're here to take care of Sussex County, it's our community, it's our county and that's what we do best, take care of our county," said Blanch.
Beebe's last free flu clinic will be held on November 22nd at Beebe's Physical Rehabilitation Location at Lighthouse Plaza in Rehoboth Beach.