Nurses in blue plastic gloves started rolling up sleeves an hour early Monday morning as the line for free flu shots grew to fill the inside courtyard at the Carson Mall.
More than 600 patients took advantage of the clinic within the first three hours.
The service, provided by Carson-Tahoe Hospital for the past five years, will be offered again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Carson Mall and the Minden Medical Center and on other dates through Nov. 22.
"We do it because it's our way of giving back to the community," said Diane Rush, hospital spokeswoman.
The October clinics are being offered to people who are considered "high risk," or those who would be more affected by catching the bug. That includes anyone who is 65 years old or older, children and adults with asthma, chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, heart or lung disease, impaired immune systems, anemia, nursing home or chronic care facility residents, and pregnant women in their second or third trimester.
Several clinics will be available for the general public beginning next month.
The hospital program received 12,000 doses this year, said program manager and nurse Terry Long. The shots take a minute to deliver, but protect patients from three strains of the flu for up to six months.
For more information about upcoming clinics call (775) 886-7402.
IF YOU GO
Planned flu shot clinic dates include:
-- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31, Carson Mall
-- 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 1, Minden Medical Center
-- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5, Pi-on Plaza
-- noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 6, Carson Mall
-- 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Minden Medical Center
-- 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 12, Minden Medical Center
-- 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14, Carson Mall
-- 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18, Carson Mall
-- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20, Minden Medical Center
-- 9:30 to 1 p.m. Nov. 21, Carson Nugget
-- 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 22 Carson Mall
