Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics are scheduled at 10 Chesco locations in the weeks ahead.

WEST CHESTER, PA — Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered at 10 clinics planned through the fall around Chester County, the Health Department said this week.

With flu season quickly approaching, the Chester County Health Department announced details Thursday of countywide flu vaccination clinics, open to the community at area schools. The clinics are scheduled from late September through November.

In addition to the flu vaccine, the Health Department will offer COVID-19 vaccines at most community vaccine sites. Registration is required to help protect the health and safety of our community and clinic staff, the County said.

Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department said, "Flu and COVID-19 viruses have many similar symptoms, including cough, chills, fever, body aches, fatigue, and runny or stuffy nose. With so many shared symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two."

Franklin added, "Becoming sick with the flu can also make people more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, increasing the risk for serious illness."

The Chester County Health Department recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone older than six months.

"Influenza is more than just a runny nose and sore throat. It is a serious disease that can lead to missed work or school, hospitalization, and sometimes even death. The best defense we have is getting vaccinated," said Franklin.

The Chester County Health Department will have the flu vaccine available for people as young as six months old, and a special high-dose vaccine for seniors. First- and second-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for those 12 years and older.

Health officials note that if you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, you can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same appointment.

"It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time," said Franklin. "For many, our upcoming vaccine clinics are an easy and convenient option to maximize their protection this fall. Whether it is a flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine, I thank everyone choosing to be vaccinated," Franklin said.

Individuals with private health insurance will not be charged a copay at the Health Department vaccine clinics but should bring their insurance card for billing. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available regardless of insurance status and people without health insurance will not pay any out-of-pocket costs.

The Health Department said its clinics will have all necessary safety measures in place to keep staff and the public safe, including symptom screening, social distancing, mask requirements, and disinfection protocols.

With multiple viruses spreading this fall and winter, every bit of protection helps including washing hands, wiping down commonly touched surfaces like keyboards, phones, and doorknobs, and staying home when sick, the Health Department's statement said.

More information can be found here.

Chester County Health Department community vaccine clinics dates, times and locations are:

• Sept. 23 — Unionville High School, 750 Unionville Road, Kennett Square. 3-6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 27 — Octorara Senior High School, 226 Highland Road, Atglen. 3-6 p.m.
• Sept. 30 — Avon Grove Intermediate School, 395 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove.
  3:30-6:30 p.m.

• Oct. 4 — Owen J Roberts Middle School. 881 Ridge Road, Pottstown. 3-6 p.m.
• Oct. 7 — Kennett Middle School, 195 Sunny Dell Road, Landenberg. 3-6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 18 — Phoenixville Area Middle School, 1000 Purple Pride Parkway, Phoenixville.
• 3:45-6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 23 —West Chester Fugett Middle School, 500 Ellis Lane, West Chester. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Oct. 28 — Gordon Early Literacy Center, 315 Kersey St., Coatesville. 4:15-6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 28 — Great Valley Middle School, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern. 4-7 p.m.
• Nov. 8 — Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race St., Kennett Square. 4-7 p.m.

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