Next's Annual Flue Shot Clinic and Health Expo

Next’s Annual Flu Shot Clinic and Health Expo

Fall is nearly upon us, bringing with it the changing of the leaves, long cool nights, pumpkin-spice everything, and whether we like it or not, the beginning of flu season. And as much as we long to embrace the joys of autumn, the flu is something all of us would just as soon avoid. You could lock yourself away and hibernate until spring, but that is not practical for most of us who aren’t bears, and hand sanitizer will only get you so far. So, how do you protect yourself? The surest way to keep from getting the flu so you can still crunch your way through golden leaves while sipping your grande’ pumpkin-spice vanilla soy latte’? A flu shot.

An easy way to get your shot this year, and have a little fun while doing it, is at Next – Your Place to Stay Active and Connected during their annual Flu Shot Clinic and Health Expo Tuesday, September 27 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. No sign up is necessary and most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, will cover the cost. Registered Nurses from Henry Ford Health Systems will be administering the shots as well as providing blood-pressure readings, BMI evaluations and heart health assessments.

There will also be over 45 local companies at the Health Expo displaying their products and services geared toward Baby Boomers and beyond, “This may be the most diverse and exciting group of vendors joining us yet for our Expo,” said Peter Macfarlane, Next communications manager. “It’s going to be a great day. There’s no admission, free parking, refreshments giveaways and some pretty spectacular prizes.”

While many such Health Expos have gone the way of the dodo in recent years, Next’s Expo is still going strong with hundreds of people expected to attend. When asked to what she attributes Next’s success, Support Services Specialist and architect of the Health Expo, Jeanne Nance said, “We work hard bringing in area businesses that have products and services of interest to people in our community. We also make it incredibly easy to get your shot. Just come in with a copy of the front and back of your ID and insurance card. We realize nobody likes getting a shot, but if it’s something you have to do, why not have some fun while doing it? And we have fun every year.”

There is no registration needed for a flu shot at Next’s Flu Shot Clinic, and even if you have already had your shot this year, the Expo worth a visit. Next is located at 2121 Midvale in Birmingham and can be reached for more information at 248-203-5270 or at BirminghamNext.org. So, before you put on that comfy old sweater, or pull out the flannel pajamas, be sure to protect yourself this year with a flu shot.