Dignity Health providing free flu shots on Navajo Nation

(PHOENIX – Nov. 3, 2020) – In an effort to prevent a “twindemic,” Dignity Health in Arizona is partnering with Indian Health Service to provide free flu shots in Nazlini and Rough Rock on the Navajo Nation on Thursday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6.

The vaccination drive comes as COVID-19 cases spike in Arizona, forcing local authorities to direct resources to the pandemic response in remote areas.

“We don’t want to have a twindemic, with flu cases and COVID-19 cases spiking at the same time,” says Heather James, director of Nursing and Quality Assurance for Dignity Health Medical Group in Arizona and Nevada. “We’re trying to head that off early and targeting underserved communities that would not otherwise have access to these vaccinations.”

Officials will provide 100 vaccinations per day at the Chapter Houses in Nazlini and Rough Rock from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST on Thursday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6. The shots are free and do not require health insurance. The communities are about a three-hour drive northeast of Flagstaff and have a combined population of fewer than 1,000, according to the most recent U.S. Census.

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