Local Health Departments to Offer Free Drive-Through Flu Clinic

The local health departments of the North Shore and Cape Ann have announced a free drive-through flu vaccine clinic for individuals ages 6 months and older. The clinic will be held at the Peabody Department of Public Services, located at 50 Farm Avenue in Peabody, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. This clinic will also provide an opportunity for the health departments to test their Emergency Dispensing Site emergency plans.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu.

“Although the amount of flu-like illness in Massachusetts is low right now, it’s important to remember that in most years, flu season doesn’t peak until January or February. This means that this is an excellent time to get a flu vaccine. We urge everyone to get vaccinated to help stay healthy this season,” said Chassea Robinson, Public Health Nurse for Peabody.

This drive-through clinic will allow residents to remain in their cars while they get vaccinated.

Peabody’s Director of Health and Human Services Sharon Cameron states “Drive-through vaccination may be more convenient for residents who have mobility issues, or for families with several children. It’s also a great opportunity for us to test our ability to administer medications to large segments of our population if we had a true public health emergency.”

Vaccine will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no residency restrictions. Portuguese and Spanish interpreters will be available. Although there is no fee for the vaccine, residents should bring their insurance cards if they have one. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parents/guardians. Please wear short-sleeved shirts, and please leave all pets at home.

Free bicycle helmets will be provided to children receiving vaccination at the clinic, while supplies last, courtesy of the Peabody Police Department. This project is a partnership between the North Shore – Cape Ann Emergency Preparedness Coalition, the City of Peabody, Lahey Medical Center, and Atlantic Ambulance.

For more information, please contact the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926.