Volunteers from the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) were on hand at Fall River's Government Center on November 13, 2010, to administer influenza vaccinations to anyone, free of charge. The event is sponsored by the Fall River Department of Health and Human Services and doubles as a practice run for the MRC to respond to any one of a number of potential medical emergencies that might call them into action. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. In 2009-2010, a new and very different flu virus (called 2009 H1N1) spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. During the 2010-2011 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause illness again along with other influenza viruses. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses. For more information, contact  public health nursing office at 508-324-2420

(Top row, left ) Deborah Reney signs and authorization form while her son, Peter, and husband, Maurice, talk to the registrars. (Top row, center) Ruth Finnie, R.N. administers one of the flu vaccines. (Top row, right) Volunteers Tony and Brenda LePage talk with Alvin McMahon, coordinator of the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps who organized the event. (Middle row) Peter Reney receives his vaccination from Betty Morse of the Crawford Nursing Home. (Bottom row, left and center) Linda Saravo, R.N. administers a nasal version of the vaccine to John Harrington of Swansea. (Bottom row, right) Mike Feijo of Dartmouth hands out influenza vaccination record cards to participants as they leave.