In an effort to boost the number of seniors who receive flu shots and reduce the number who die or are hospitalized from influenza-related causes, Generations Healthcare will host a free flu clinic targeting senior adults from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Holiday Inn, 2610 S. 4th, Chickasha.

“It is extremely important to make flu shots as accessible as possible, especially to our valued senior population,” said Mike Wernli, sales manager for Generations Healthcare. “As people age, their bodies have greater difficulty fighting sickness, so stopping the flu virus before it starts is vital in preventing something as common as the flu from turning deadly.”

Each year, 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized from influenza-related causes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seniors comprise 90 percent of those deaths and about 63 percent of the hospitalizations, CDC data shows. Although older adults face the greatest risk of dying from flu-related complications, one-third of seniors 65 and older do not get flu shots.

While the sponsor anticipates immunizing those who need it most – senior adults and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease – the clinic is open to all adults 18 years and older.

A registered nurse will give the injections.

Contact Tammy Scott at (405) 370-7456 or tscott@hhsi.com for more information about the clinic.

Generations Healthcare is a Medicare Advantage health plan that offers comprehensive benefits to Medicare beneficiaries in the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. The plan serves Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, McClain, Logan, Seminole and Grady Counties.

For more information about Generations Healthcare, call (877) 280-2990 or visit www.generationshealthcare.cc