Health & Fitness
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Laredo's Free Flu Vaccine Drive Reaches 1,200 Residents
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Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 17:55 GMT by KGNS-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Laredo Public Health Department Hosts Free Flu Vaccine Drive – A Community‑Wide Push Against Influenza
On Thursday, November 14, 2025, the Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) turned the city’s convention center into a hub of health and hope, hosting a free flu‑vaccine drive that drew more than 1,200 residents for a short‑term, high‑impact intervention. The event, organized in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), local pharmacies, and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, represents the city’s proactive stance on preventing the annual winter wave of influenza.
Why the Drive Matters
According to the Texas DSHS, flu activity in the Rio Grande Valley has been consistently high in recent years, with an estimated 3,500 hospitalizations in the 2019‑2020 season alone. “We’re in the middle of a severe flu season and our community is particularly vulnerable due to the high number of chronic‑disease patients and the proximity to the border, which increases the risk of disease spread,” explained Dr. Maria Sanchez, LPHD Director. “Vaccinating our residents is the most effective way to reduce the burden on our hospitals and protect those who cannot fight the flu on their own.”
The drive offered the quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV), which protects against four different strains of the flu virus, as well as the high‑dose formulation specifically designed for adults aged 65 and older. Both vaccines were administered free of charge, regardless of insurance status or age.
Event Logistics and Outreach
The convention center, located at 200 West 4th Street, opened its doors at 10 a.m. and ran until 4 p.m. with a steady flow of attendees. LPHD volunteers, in collaboration with local pharmacists from Walgreens and CVS, set up separate stations for pediatric, adult, and senior vaccines, ensuring privacy and comfort for all participants.
A waiting area with a 24‑hour “flu‑quiz” screen offered educational material on flu symptoms, the importance of vaccination, and when to seek medical care. In addition, the LPHD staff handed out informational packets that included:
- A quick‑reference guide on flu prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (link: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/).
- A flyer detailing the schedule for the upcoming Flu Prevention Workshop on December 1 at the Laredo Community Center (link: https://www.laredocenter.org/flu-workshop).
- A QR code linking to the LPHD’s appointment scheduling portal (link: https://www.kgns.tv/lpvh/appointments/).
The drive’s success was amplified by local media coverage. KGNW’s health correspondent, Laura Ramirez, live‑streamed the event and interviewed attendees, many of whom praised the convenience and community focus. The station’s website hosts a full video recap of the drive (link: https://www.kgns.tv/2025/11/14/laredo-flu-drive-recap).
Who Can Benefit
LPHD highlighted that the vaccine drive was open to all Laredo residents aged 6 months and older. Special emphasis was placed on:
- Children: Under five years old, who are among the highest risk groups for severe flu complications.
- Pregnant Women: Who benefit from immunity for both mother and newborn.
- Adults Over 65: Who receive the high‑dose vaccine to help combat weaker immune responses.
- People With Chronic Conditions: Such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, who are at increased risk of flu‑related complications.
“We want to leave no one behind,” said Dr. Sanchez. “Everyone who can get a shot today should take it, especially those who might otherwise avoid going to a doctor due to cost or distance.”
Additional Resources and Future Events
The LPHD’s website offers a downloadable PDF that details the schedule of vaccinations, the list of participating pharmacies, and the contact information for LPHD staff. Residents who missed the drive can still schedule an appointment by calling the hotline at 1‑800‑LPHD‑001 or visiting the online portal (link: https://www.kgns.tv/lpvh/appointments/).
Beyond the November drive, LPHD plans to expand its outreach efforts with community‑based clinics in nearby towns such as Eagle Pass and Del Rio, and with mobile vaccination units that will serve rural households. The public health department also intends to host a “Flu Prevention Workshop” in December, featuring expert speakers on antiviral medications, hygiene practices, and how to recognize severe flu symptoms.
The Bottom Line
The November 14 flu‑vaccine drive in Laredo is a testament to the city’s commitment to safeguarding public health. By combining free access to high‑quality vaccines, robust education, and community partnerships, the LPHD is setting a standard for regional health initiatives. The drive’s success not only protected thousands of residents today but also strengthened the groundwork for future public‑health interventions. Residents looking to get vaccinated or learn more about flu prevention can find all the resources they need through the LPHD’s online portal or by contacting the department directly.
For further details, visit the LPHD’s full press release at https://www.kgns.tv/2025/11/14/laredo-public-health-department-hosts-flu-vaccine-drive/ or explore the Texas DSHS influenza vaccine guidelines at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/flu/.
Read the Full KGNS-TV Article at:
[ https://www.kgns.tv/2025/11/14/laredo-public-health-department-hosts-flu-vaccine-drive/ ]
