The early September release of the most recent COVID-19 vaccine formula was a popular immunization choice among seniors who came for the flu shot clinic offered at this year’s Healthy Lifestyle Expo on Saturday in Deerfield at the Patty Turner Center.
The offsite clinic by the Deerfield Walgreens offered the Fluzone high-dose flu shot for patients 65 or older. Moderna COVID-19 doses were added to the clinic in case patients wanted it.
The demand was so great for the COVID-19 shot that Walgreens brought more doses from the store to replenish the clinic inventory.
Lena Saed, a Walgreens pharmacist, advises people to, “Get vaccinated so we don’t have loss of work. We don’t have loss of family functions. We can enjoy life.”
Rensy de Lara, a Walgreens pharmacy technician and immunizer, said, “It is really important” to get vaccinated, and to reach the senior population. “If we come to them (seniors), we are making things easier for them.”
Mike and Linda Walton of Deerfield each received vaccinations and offered reasons why.
“I don’t want to get sick,” Linda Walton said.
Her husband added, “The flu shot seems to work. I guess COVID (immunization) does, too.”
Illinois State Sen. Julie A. Morrison, D-Lake Forest, was pleased to hear Walgreens decided to bring COVID-19 shots to add to the flu shot clinic.
“I think it’s important,” she said.
The Patty Turner Center partnered with the DBR Chamber of Commerce (Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods) to host this year’s annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo. The free-entry expo, as a format, has a nearly two-decade history.
The event was meant to be a one-stop expo to help seniors learn about different options for them now or in the future, according to its website.
Chasity Savage, the chamber’s executive director, said the event featured major sponsors and nearly 20 tables promoting community services or local businesses serving seniors, as well as younger people.
“But specifically, our seniors really just need to know about the various different services that are out and about,” Savage said.
Sheri Smith, practice manager of operations for Briarwood Park Dental Care of Deerfield, offered visitors stopping by the dental company’s table a cheerful bag including a new toothbrush. Name-brand toothpaste was also a giveaway.
“Sometimes seniors feel a little alienated that all dental offices don’t take their (insurance) plans,” she said. “Oftentimes, people will go to their medical doctor, and they only go to the dentist when they’re in pain.
“Pain is evidence that something has already gone array, so we need to address that and we highly advocate for routine cleanings, and exams, and checkups to make sure your teeth and your gums and your bones stay healthy,” Smith said.
“A lot of people don’t come to the dentist because they feel that dentistry’s expensive,” she continued. “Ignoring it is even more expensive.”
The Deerfield Police Department’s Social Services Division had a table staffed by Isabell Weintraub, a social worker for the department.
“As a community social worker, I think it’s important to make sure that we engage with our community members in case they need some kind of support that we can offer,” Weintraub said.
Attendee and patron Elizabeth Adamczyk of Deerfield said of the expo, “This is the place to start learning things.”
Adamczyk stopped at the corner table showcasing Ellie Mental Health of Bannockburn and Libertyville. Fred Smith, a licensed professional counselor at Ellie Mental Health, was among the colleagues conversing with Adamczyk.
“People need to know what’s available to them,” Smith said. “Often, there’s a lot more out there than people even realize. That’s why we’re here, to get the word out that we’re out here for you to offer counseling services for children, teens, tweens, adults and seniors, too.”