Freeman CEO urges residents to get flu shots

Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker took one for the team Friday – that “one” being a flu shot in the arm.

“Flu vaccination is the best way to help protect against flu,” said Baker. “It can keep you from getting sick with flu or reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick.”

Freeman Health System is offering free flu shots to all employees between September and November and encourages other businesses to do the same.

"Getting vaccinated not only protects you but it can also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, such as babies, young children, older people and people with certain chronic health conditions," reads a statement from Freeman.

The statement says getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

Freeman officials say it takes two weeks for your body to respond to the vaccine.