South DSM News

There is no appointment necessary for this event.  The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year to prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.

The drive-through flu shot clinic will be set up in the south round-about driveway of the hospital parking lot, with traffic entering from S 4th Ave into the west parking lot.  Signs will be posted at the appropriate entrance and volunteers will be directing traffic.

Extra precautions will be implemented to ensure the safe administration of immunizations for our patients and staff:

• Staff will assist in registration upon arrival.
• All Madison County Health Care System staff will wear face masks at all times, including while administering immunizations.
• Any patient with COVID-19 related symptoms, or who has had exposure to a positive case should wait the appropriate amount of time prior to receiving their vaccine for the health and safety of our patients and staff.
• Patients receiving a vaccination will need to wear a face covering.

MCHCS staff will conduct a screening process to ensure that the vaccine type administered is the most beneficial for each individual.  Medicare and most insurance plans cover the flu vaccine and other immunizations at no charge. If you are uncertain about your insurance coverage for the flu vaccine, please contact your insurance provider.

Please note, the following age restrictions apply:

• Patients between the ages of 6 months and 6 years of age must have been seen by a provider at Health Trust Physicians Clinic or Earlham Medical Clinic within the past year.
• Patients 6 years of age and older, including new patients, can receive influenza vaccination without being seen by a provider at Health Trust Physicians Clinic or Earlham Medical Clinic within the past year.

The types of flu vaccine offered at the clinic are the four-in-one standard-dose flu vaccine and the high-dose vaccine for people 65 and older.  The standard-dose flu vaccine protects people against four different strains of flu, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.  The high-dose flu vaccine is for people 65 years of age and older, and contains the amount of protective antigen for immune systems that tend to weaken with age.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed days from work and school, and it can prevent flu-related hospitalizations.  As people get vaccinated, they not only protect themselves, but they prevent the spread of the flu to others, including older people, very young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination, and the most convenient way to get that vaccination will be at the drive-through flu shot clinic.

If you are unable to make it to the times available for this event, Health Trust Physicians Clinic, Earlham Medical Clinic, and the Walk-in Clinic are all available to provide flu shots throughout the course of the flu season as well.  Appointments can be made by calling the clinics directly:

• Health Trust Physicians Clinic – (515) 462-2950
• Earlham Medical Clinic – (515) 758-2907

Dates & Times:

Wednesday, September 28th

7:30 am – Noon

Thursday, October 6th

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Pre-Registration Available

To expedite your visit, we are offering pre-registration for this event! Simply call the Health Trust Physicians Clinic at (515) 462-2950 and let our receptionists know you intend to participate in the drive-thru flu shot clinic. You will be sent a pre-registration link via text or email to fill out the appropriate registration materials online before the day of the flu shot clinic.

Original source can be found here.