BUCKHANNON — St. Joseph’s Hospital gave over 150 vaccinations for the flu on Thursday October 14th at its first drive through flu clinic. The drive through clinic makes for an easy way to the community to receive the vaccine.
There will be another clinic held on Thursday, October 28th. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is held at the rear of the hospital property near the Pallotti Pavilion. Drive up to the hospital and follow the directional signage to the right.
Two vaccines are offered this year. The quadrivalent vaccine guards against four strains of flu rather than the usual three and is available to those over the age of 12. The FLUAD quadrivalent vaccine is available for those over the age of 65. This vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen as the standard vaccine and may be of benefit for older adults.
There are no out-of-pocket expenses for those with a valid Medicare card. Cost for all others is $30 for the regular quadrivalent vaccine and $90 for the high dose FLUAD vaccine. For those with Medicare, please be prepared to show your card when registering for the vaccine. For those paying for the vaccine, cash or check will be accepted.
The vaccination is extremely important for young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with existing medical conditions, and people who are in contact with those at greatest risk. Vaccinations will be available at the clinic for anyone over the age of 12; for vaccinations for children under the age of 12, parents should contact their family physician.
