CANANDAIGUA – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) and Constellation Brands, Inc. are funding a flu clinic on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Canandaigua Medical Group, 335 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.
Hosted by UR Medicine Thompson Health, the free clinic is for both the uninsured and underinsured, ages 9 and up. It will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with visitors having a temperature check and quick health screening at the main door.
The standard 2020-2021 vaccine provides protection against four flu viruses, including H3N2 and H1N1. The second option – with limited availability – is for those 65 and older: A high-dose flu vaccine containing additional antigen designed to create a stronger immune response in the person receiving the vaccine. This, too, protects against four flu viruses.
For many years, CMAC has funded free Thompson Health flu clinics with proceeds from concertgoers’ tips collected at its Constellation Brands Ambassador Tent throughout its concert season. Although the COVID-19 pandemic forced CMAC to cancel or reschedule all of the shows lined up for the 2020 season, this year’s clinic is possible thanks to a combined donation of $3,000 from CMAC and Constellation Brands.
Ginny Clark, President of the Friends of CMAC, said, “With the unfortunate onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that the flu clinic is even more critically important this year. We are pleased to support this effort by Thompson Hospital in delivering this service to our community.”
Thompson Health Development Specialist Heather Rickett said the nonprofit health system is grateful to be able to offer a free flu clinic once again this year, despite the pandemic’s impact on CMAC’s 2020 season.
“This flu season, it is especially important to Thompson that we ensure local residents – regardless of insurance status – have access to the flu vaccine. We want to keep them healthy, and doing so will also help us focus on the challenges presented by the pandemic,” she said.
For more information on the Oct. 24 free clinic, call 585-924-1510.