Team members ready to give flu vaccines at the 2025 Sentara community flu event.
Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
As flu season approaches, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) is encouraging community members to take an important step to protect their health by receiving an annual flu vaccine. To make vaccination as convenient as possible, the hospital will host a free community flu clinic during the weekly Farmer’s Market on campus on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. Look for the Sentara tents at the market in the hospital’s main parking lot, located at 2300 Opitz Blvd. in Woodbridge.
The clinic is open to adults ages 18 and older and will provide flu shots on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No appointment, insurance, or advance registration is required.
Held at the popular Long Family Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoon, the event gives community members an opportunity to receive a flu vaccine while shopping for fresh produce, local goods, and other market offerings. The clinic will be held rain or shine.
Public health experts recommend annual flu vaccination as the best way to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza and spreading the virus to others. Vaccination can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and missed work or school days. Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with certain chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to severe complications from the flu.
“Getting your annual flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” said Jeff Joyner, president of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “We know people are busy, which is why we’re bringing this service directly to the Farmer’s Market. Whether you’re stopping by to shop or just passing through, you can get vaccinated quickly and conveniently at no cost.”
Health experts recommend receiving a flu vaccine by the end of October for the best protection during peak flu season. By offering flu vaccinations in a community setting, Sentara is helping remove barriers to preventive care and making it easier for residents to stay healthy this fall.
As a community health leader, Sentara Health remains committed to promoting preventive care and protecting the health of the communities it serves. Sentara team members and medical staff receive annual influenza vaccinations as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide safe, high-quality care.
Team members at the 2025 flu clinic
About Sentara
Sentara Health, an integrated, not-for-profit healthcare delivery system, celebrates more than 135 years in pursuit of its mission — “we improve health every day.”
Sentara is one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and among the top 25 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country, with 35,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, including 11 hospitals with the prestigious Magnet®️ recognition, one Level I and two Level III trauma centers, an ambulatory division with more than 400 sites of care, more than 2,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, more than 10,000 nursing professionals, and the Sentara Health Plans division which serves almost 1 million members in Virginia and Florida. Additionally, Sentara provided $382 million in Community Benefit in 2025.
Sentara is consistently recognized nationally for clinical quality, patient safety, and as a top employer with a strategic focus on innovation and creating an extraordinary healthcare experience for our patients and members. See the full list of awards and recognitions.
