Multnomah County, Rosewood Initiative partner on free flu shot clinic Dec. 8

December 4, 2020

The Multnomah County Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program in partnership with Multnomah County Communicable Disease Services and The Rosewood Initiative, will host a one-time free flu vaccine drive-thru clinic at The Rosewood Initiative community center on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Residents are invited to drive through, bike or walk up to receive a free flu shot. The vaccination site will be offering flu shots from noon to 6 p.m. and has capacity to serve about 200 people. The clinic will be located in the parking lot of the Rosewood Initiative, at 16126 SE Stark St, Portland.

“I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, who represents the Rosewood and Rockwood neighborhoods, “Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things we can do to protect our families and communities right now.”

The Rosewood-REACH clinic comes in addition to Multnomah County REACH’s free weekly flu vaccination and COVID-19 testing site, held every Wednesday at Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 31st.

“Multnomah County’s REACH Program works to support a culture of Black health,” said REACH Program Manager Charlene McGee. “We want to help people protect themselves, their families and their community. Flu vaccine is a safe way to prevent illnesses, so that our healthcare systems aren't overwhelmed with patients. Getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever, given the COVID-19 pandemic."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receives an annual flu shot. Multnomah County-REACH Program encourages all who are able to get their flu shot. It helps protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community from serious flu-related illness. 

The initiative is part of REACH’s flu vaccine campaign, launched to empower trusted voices in the Black community to support vaccine education and delivery. This effort will be a part of their observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week which will kick-off on Dec. 6 and run through Dec. 12. 

Multnomah County is partnering with the Rosewood Initiative to focus flu vaccine efforts on neighborhoods with  socioeconomic and health disparities, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been one of the hardest hit communities and so we’re excited that Multnomah County is partnering with us to bring preventative resources to our neighbors,” said Rosewood Initiative Executive Director Sabrina Wilson.” “Resources like getting a free flu vaccine will help to protect us and our loved ones, and as a new mom myself, it is so important.”

For those unable to attend on Dec 8., flu shots are also available at doctor’s offices, clinics and various retail pharmacies. Those without a regular doctor can call the Multnomah County Primary Care Clinics at 503-988-5558 to enroll and become a patient to receive the flu vaccine and access to other services.