Flu season is right around the corner, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), YMCAs across the state, and Hy-Vee Pharmacy have teamed up to deliver free flu shots at clinic locations throughout October.
“We’re thrilled to host free flu shot clinics again this year,” said Dr. Thadeo Salido, senior medical director at BCBSNE. “The timing works out perfectly, giving people the opportunity to get vaccinated before flu season peaks, typically in late December to early February.”
Dr. Salido emphasized that getting a flu shot not only helps prevent illness but can also reduce the risk of serious complications if you do get sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu shots prevent tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. “Getting your flu shot is especially important because it protects vulnerable groups like kids, pregnant women, and seniors,” Dr. Salido said. “Herd immunity helps limit the spread of infection, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated and reducing the strain on hospitals from severe flu cases.”
Last year, BCBSNE’s free flu shot clinics helped vaccinate more than 400 community members statewide—a reflection of the company’s mission to champion health and well-being.
This year, BCBSNE is once again calling on community members to join the fight against the flu. To register for an appointment at a clinic near you, visit NebraskaBlue.com/FluShot. Clinics will include:
Fallbrook YMCA
Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon
Copple Family YMCA
Oct. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Northeast YMCA
Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Buena Vista YMCA Express
Oct. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Cooper YMCA
Oct. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sarpy Community YMCA
Oct. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Armbrust Family YMCA
Oct. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Twin Rivers YMCA
Oct. 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Columbus Family YMCA
Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Westview YMCA
Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Gretna Crossing YMCA
Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Kearney Family YMCA
Oct. 22 from noon to 2 p.m.
Beatrice Mary Family YMCA
Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA
Oct. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Maple Street YMCA
Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Southwest YMCA
Oct. 28 from noon to 2 p.m.
Downtown YMCA
Oct. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Red Willow Health Department
Every Thursday in October from
4 to 6 p.m.
Signups are encouraged, but walk-in appointments are welcome at all locations. Registration links will open 14 days before each clinic and close 24 hours prior to the start. At the clinics, staff will gather health insurance details and file claims for those with coverage, while individuals without insurance will have the cost of their flu shot covered by BCBSNE. The clinics are open to community members age six and up.
Visit NebraskaBlue.com/FluShot to learn more.
