Freeman CEO Urges Residents to Get Flu Shots

Joplin, MO - 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. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

Now is the time to get your flu vaccination, as it takes two weeks for your body to respond to the vaccine.

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About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.