JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
River City Science Academy is offering its teachers free flu shots to help keep them safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s thanks to a partnership with the First Coast Cardiovascular Institute.
Action News Jax’s Alicia Tarancon spoke to teachers working on the front line who told her taking care of their health will enable them to continue to help their students to grow and learn.
Brandy Flood teaches first-grade at the River City Science Academy on Beach Boulevard.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, her schedule is busier than ever making sure her students are safe and socially distanced in her classroom.
When she heard free flu shots were coming to her campus, she jumped at the chance to get one.
“That ensures that our school is looking out for us and our health, which means a lot to me. So the fact that they are offering that really says something about the school, and that they really care for their employees,” Flood said.
Doctors told Action News Jax it’s more important now than ever to get the flu shot, since we are all dealing with the pandemic at the same time.
Dr. Yazan Khatib, a cardiologist at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute said the vaccine will help prevent local hospitals from being over-burdened
<dr. yazan khatib, president of first coast cardiovascular institute>
The symptoms of COVID and this year’s flu strain are going to be very similar, especially in the beginning stages of the diseases," Dr. Khatib said.
He also said he wants people to take the pandemic seriously.
“The virus is real. It has killed people. It has killed doctors. I know a couple doctors who died from it,” he said.
Dr. Khatib said the flu shot is safe for everyone, unless you have an allergy or some other health condition that would prevent you from getting the vaccine.
The First Coast Cardiovascular Institute is visiting River City Science Academy’s four campuses, and so far they’ve given out over 100 flu shots to teachers.
Flood said if other teachers get the chance to get a free flu shot they should take advantage of it because for her, it helps her feelmore at ease being in the classroom.
“I think this pandemic has definitely woken me up. I’ve always been health-conscious but this year I feel safe,” she said.
Cox Media Group
