In the midst of flu season, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is offering a unique flu shot program.

The hospital has declared Saturday as Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Day. There will be free flu shots for adults and children from 8 to 11 a.m., while supplies last.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the hospital has offered free flu shots, according to a press release.

Flu shots will be available at select Bon Secours locations in four Hampton Roads cities — Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth and Suffolk.

In Suffolk, the drive-through event will take place at the Bon Secours Health Center at Harbor View at 5818 Harbor View Blvd.
Attendees simply have to roll down their car windows, and medical practitioners will come and administer the flu vaccines.

“Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is committed to making flu shots available and accessible to the communities it serves and also to increase compliance with regulations about flu prevention as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control,” aBon Secours press release stated.

The CDC recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine by October in preparation for the colder months. The center also suggested receiving the vaccine at least once a year.

Studies say people over the age of 50 who received the vaccine reduced their risk of being hospitalized for the flu by 57 percent, according to a press release.

In addition to the flu vaccines, doctors recommended frequent hand washing and to avoid sharing food and beverages. To prevent spreading germs, it is advised to sneeze or cough into an arm or a cloth or to stay at home, if necessary.