Nearly 140 Bon Secours employees volunteered their time on Saturday to provide 1,660 free drive-through flu shots around Hampton Roads.

In 2008, Bon Secours became the first local health system to offer drive-up flu shots, and in 2012, it became the first local health system to offer free shots.

“Through this event, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System aims to make the flu vaccine more accessible to our community to keep them healthier during the cold/flu season,” said Michael K. Kerner, CEO of Bon Secours Hampton Roads.

Drivers were able to get a shot without getting out their wallet or even getting out of their car at four locations in Hampton Roads: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News and Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View in Suffolk.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone above the age of 6 months be vaccinated against the flu each year, especially those with a higher risk of complications, such as people with asthma or diabetes or those over the age of 65.