Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic Planned For Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — While flu shots can be obtained at doctor offices and pharmacies, there's no easier way to get one than to pile the kids in the SUV and hit a drive-through shot clinic. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health will hold a drive-through flu vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis.

Free seasonal flu shots will be offered to all county residents age 6 months and older. Vaccines will be first come, first served, while supplies last. The rain date for the clinic is Wednesday, Oct. 18.

For more information and updates about the drive-through flu clinic and tips on flu prevention, visit www.aahealth.org or call the Flu Vaccine Line at 410-222-7343.

Over the years, the peak of flu season has occurred anywhere from December through March. Millions are sickened, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from flu every year in the United States, according to a health department news release.

Flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu, health experts say, but good health habits can often help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. Good health habits include:

• Always cover cough or sneeze with a tissue—then throw the tissue away. Or, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Alcohol hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. These are places germs can enter the body easily.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever which include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school or other public places until you are feeling well.

Most people can stay home and tough out the flu, but some people are at high risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions), says the CDC. If you are in a high risk group and develop flu symptoms, contact your doctor right away to get antiviral drugs as early as possible.

»Image via Shutterstock