April Ruethemann

Several residents at the Lehigh Community Services food pantry last week had a pleasant surprise: they were given free flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

April Ruethemann, a nurse with the Florida Department of Health in Lee County, travels to different areas of the county and administers the flu and pneumonia shots.

“There are people who do not have a car and cannot get around, so if they are able to get to a local destination, such as Lehigh Community Services, they could be able to get their vaccinations,” she said.

“Even those who have a car, but no health insurance and no doctor, can take advantage of getting shots this way,”?Ruethemann said. “It’s also a way for people who can’t drive all the way to the health department in Fort Myers because it costs money and it takes time.”

From 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, the shots were offered by Ruethemann.

The shots were for ages 16 to 64.

Ruethemann said the shots prompt your body to get ready to fight an infection from the flu virus. The vaccination helps to create tools, called antibodies, to fight the virus when you are exposed to it.

She noted that physicians tweak the vaccine each season and they choose strains based on the ones they believe are most likely to show up that year.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to start working.

Ruethemann said about 10 residents received their flu shot in the two hours.

In addition to the flu shot, they were given a pneumonia shot, which is aimed at helping to keep them from becoming very sick.

Ruethemann also suggested that residents get a tetanus shot if they have not been vaccinated in 10 years.

Another event will likely be scheduled at Lehigh Community Services in January.

Charlotte Rae Nicely, executive director of Lehigh Community Services, suggested that residents watch the agency’s Facebook page for details on future events.

Ruethemann said she has given similar vaccinations at Pine Manor and on Fort Myers Beach.

On Jan. 21, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County will take part in the 2017 Lee County Homeless Service Day and Veterans Stand Down event, hosted by the Lee County Homeless Coalition.

Ruethemann said the flu, pneumonia and tetanus shots will be provided for free.