Volunteers from the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) were on hand at Fall River's Government Center on December 7, 2011, to administer influenza vaccinations to anyone, free of charge. The event is sponsored by the Fall River Department of Health and Human Services and doubles as a practice run for the MRC to respond to any one of a number of potential medical emergencies that might call them into action. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. The event was observed by Dr. Rob Tosatto, Director of the U.S. MRC, Tom Lawrence of the Rhode Island MRC, and Richard Aguiar, Director of the Fall River Emergency Management Department. Click here for more photos of their visit. For more information, contact Alvin McMahon, coordinator of the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps at 401-864-1597.

(Top row, left ) Tom Lawrence of the Rhode Island MRC. Dr. Rob Tosatto, Director of the U.S. MRC, and Richard Aguiar, Director of the Fall River Emergency Management Department talk with Fall River Health Department Director Henry Vaillancourt. (Top row, center) Volunteers Tammy LaMothe  and Freetown Board of Health member Jeff Frechette talk with Alvin McMahon, coordinator of the Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps (Top row, right) Brenda LePage signs in Dolores Raposa for her flu shot. (Middle row, left and center) Claire Levesque and Babara Nikinas check Dolores in after Denise Wright directs her to the table for her shot. (Middle row, right) Robert Chase and Margaret Canulla, R.N. checks her out. (Bottom row, left and right) Southcoast Hospital Cardiovascular Prevention staff Donna Querim and Amanda Szot do blood pressure and cholesterol checks. (Bottom row, center) Healthy City coordinator Dave Weed receives his flu shot from Tammy LaMothe.