Ingham County offers free drive-thru flu vaccines on Saturday

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 — The Ingham County Health Department is urging anyone 11 years of age and older to get a free flu vaccine this weekend at a free walk-up and drive-thru flu clinic.

The no-cost drive-thru clinic is scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar St. Patients must be 11 years of age or older and can remain in their vehicles during the entire process. Walk-up vaccinations will also be available.

Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail urges anyone older than six months to get a flu vaccine this year — especially as the healthcare system is already strained from the ramifications of the COVID-19. Anything residents can do to stay healthy can help the community, she explained.

Most insurers cover flu vaccines but the Health Department is still offering them at no cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Vaccines are also offered at the Health Department on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment at the Human Services Building. Call 517-887-4316 for more information or to schedule a time for another vaccine appointment.

Health officials said fever, chills, body aches and coughing are common flu symptoms and are likely to increase in the community as flu season approaches. The flu vaccine offers the best protection against the illness, and now is an excellent time to be vaccinated, Vail added.

The flu can lead to severe illness and death, with young children, senior citizens and those with other medical conditions at the highest risk of serious flu-related complications. Immunity to the flu develops about two weeks after receiving the vaccine. Early vaccination is recommended.