MOUNT VERNON — Despite the weather forecast of cooler temperatures and possibly rain, today’s drive thru flu shot clinic sponsored by the Knox County Health Department will go on as scheduled.
The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knox County Fairgrounds and is for adults only, regardless of their medical condition.
This marks the seventh year for the drive thru clinic which usually serves between 600 to 700 people and has been held in all types of weather.
“Our staff comes prepared to deal with the elements,” said Pam Palm, public information officer with the health department. “Attendees are protected because they are in their vehicles. Plus, we give the shots in an enclosed area, so they shouldn’t be bothered by the weather at all.”
There is a $20 charge for a flu shot from the health department. Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans, except for MediGold will be accepted for payment. Medicaid, CareSource, Molina and most private insurance will be accepted for payment. Attendees need to bring their medical card and a photo ID such as a driver’s license, to the clinics to verify identification.
To access the clinic, attendees will enter the fairgrounds using the lower gate, near Wooster Road. The gates will not open until 8:30 a.m. and residents are asked to not show up before then. “There will be plenty of flu vaccine to offer shots during the entire clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” said Palm. “If everyone shows up at 8:30 a.m., there will be traffic congestion and a long wait.”
Any Knox County resident, regardless of what town they live in, can attend the drive-thru clinic.
Attendees are advised to wear a short-sleeved shirt so that their arm is easily accessible for the flu shot. Health department staff will be available onsite to help complete the necessary paperwork.
The drive thru clinic is the first of eight community clinics sponsored by the health department. While the drive thru is for adults only, the other clinics will offer vaccine for children and adults. The flu vaccine will be in shot form for adults. Children, ages 2-18, can receive the vaccine as a nasal spray. The first community clinic following the drive thru will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the health department, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road For more information call 399-8014.