BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – St. Joseph’s Hospital will offer the quadrivalent flu vaccine at a drive-by flu clinic from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 11 outside the main lobby of the hospital.

The quadrivalent vaccine will guard against four strains of flu rather than the usual three. These four-in-one vaccines will protect against two common Type A strains called H1N1 and H3N2, and the two distinct strains of Type B. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for those with a valid Medicare card. Cost for all others is $30.   

People should begin getting vaccinated soon after the flu vaccine becomes available in order to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, individuals are still at risk for getting the flu. That’s why it’s better to get vaccinated early in the fall, so people are protected before flu begins spreading in their communities.

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.