Getting a flu shot without even having to park the car.
That convenience was again provided by the Gilmer County Health Department last Tuesday during a drive-thru flu shot clinic at the ETC Pavilion on Legion Road.
A total of 113 regular and high-dose quadrivalent flu shots were given at the clinic, which lasted several hours longer than in previous years.
The total number of flu shots given was up a few from last year, confirmed the North Georgia Health District (NGHD).
“We’re just glad that people are getting their flu shots,” said Jennifer King, NGHD spokesperson. “That (same) day, 139 drive-thru flu shots were provided in Woodstock by the Cherokee County Health Department.”
At the Ellijay drive-thru clinic, those who received their flu shots were also offered complimentary COVID-19 home test kits.
The Gilmer Health Department has been providing the BinaxNOW home test kits for free to anyone who wants them, confirmed Krystal Sumner, health department nurse manager.
At other drive-thru flu shot clinics recently held in the six county district, 402 shots were given in Whitfield and 157 in Murray County.
A Tuesday, Oct. 11, drive-thru flu shot clinic was scheduled at the farmers market in Blue Ridge, while the final one this year for the health district will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Jasper.
Both regular and high-dose flu shots are also available at the Gilmer Health Department, 28 Southside Church Street, during normal Monday-Friday operating hours.
Flu shots are given on a walk-in basis at the health department. Appointments are not required.