Posted on Sep 30, 2015 in
MEDICAL FOCUS
David Alexander, Doerthe Gottschalk, Jim Kij, Marcia Barham, Jessica Gilbert, Laura Littlejohn, Leena Taneja and Melissa Montemayor.
With the holiday season around the corner, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is once again offering Fort Bend residents the opportunity to “give a gift and beat the flu.” In collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Rotary Club of Fort Bend and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will offer free flu shots on Saturday, October 24th to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange.
Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to the main lobby of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from 8 am to noon in exchange for a free flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.
“We are proud to partner with the local exchange clubs and Toys for Tots once again to provide this community offering,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.”
In 2014, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to more than 4,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. “Everyone’s help is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for our children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said Jim Kij, co-chairman of Santa’s Exchange 2015. “We are looking forward to partnering with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for a sixth year. This is a great collaboration. Get a flu shot, and in return, you are able to give back to the children in this community.” Kij is a 14 year member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and a past president.
“Our community is well-known for its philanthropic values, so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.
The flu vaccine is formulated to provide protection against three different flu viruses – H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will distribute a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of egg or latex allergy. If you are pregnant, please visit your OB/GYN or primary care physician to have your vaccine administered.
For more information, call 281-274-7972.
