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Published on January 02, 2020

No-cost flu shots for children to be offered during teddy bear clinic at Tidelands Health

Children who haven’t yet received the flu vaccine can receive a no-cost flu shot Saturday, Jan. 11, during a free teddy bear clinic at Tidelands Health Medical Park at Holmestown Road.

Children also can bring their favorite stuffed animal or toy for a “check-up” during the event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the medical park, located at 4320 Holmestown Road in Myrtle Beach.

Flu activity has been widespread in South Carolina over the past several weeks with more than 700 cases and more than 400 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. It’s crucial that children who haven’t yet been vaccinated this flu season receive the vaccine as they head back to school and day care following the winter break.

teddy bear clinicIn addition to receiving a no-cost flu shot, kids who attend the teddy bear clinic will have the opportunity to bandage teddy bear boo-boos, take their furry friends’ vital signs, exercise with their stuffed comrades, learn proper hand and paw washing techniques and more. Doctors and clinicians from Tidelands Health Pediatrics and Tidelands Health Family Medicine will be on hand to meet children and their parents.

The event will also help kids become familiar with the health care providers and equipment they will see during their own visits as a patient, helping them feel more comfortable with the process and environment.

The teddy bear clinic is open to the public, and there’s no cost to attend. No registration is needed. Children are welcome to bring their own bears, dolls or other stuffed buddies. Free teddy bears will be available while supplies last.

“The teddy bear clinic is a fun way to educate children about the doctor’s office and help them feel comfortable in a medical setting,” said Dr. Lucretia Carter, a pediatrician with Tidelands Health Pediatrics at Holmestown Road. “Helping their beloved pals through a visit to the doctor’s office helps kids understand what happens so they are more at ease when they come for their own visit.”

For more information about the no-cost flu shots or teddy bear clinic, call 843-652-8440.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.