ULLIN – Southern 7 Health Department has scheduled several community drive-thru flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout its service region in Southern Illinois starting September 30 through October 25 for those 18 and older.
Residents are encouraged to get their shots to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses.
According to the CDC, it is possible to have the flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, including COVID at the same time.
Drive-Thru Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Scheduled: (Dates, times, and locations subject to change without notice)
September 30 – Vienna City Park, Vienna 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
October 2 – Davie Street Parking Lot, Anna 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
October 8 – Rise Market Parking Lot, Cairo 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
October 9 – Goreville City Park, Goreville 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
October 15 – Golden Circle Senior Center, Golconda 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
October 15 – Tamms Park, Tamms 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
October 22 – Golden Circle Senior Center, Elizabethtown 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
October 24 – Massac County Fairgrounds, Metropolis 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
To Be Scheduled Southern 7 Public Health Clinic, Ullin
Single dose, Trivalent Regular and High Dose flu vaccine (for those 65 and older) and the new COVID vaccine will be available without an appointment at each drive-thru clinic while supplies last. Patients can receive one or both vaccines during their visit. Those getting a shot are asked to wear clothing that does not restrict access to the upper arm.
The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccine by the end of October before flu season begins however, vaccination can be given any time during the flu season. Flu vaccines have been used for more than 50 years in the United States. The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed annually, and changes for most seasons.
Trivalent flu vaccines protect against three different influenza viruses. Trivalent flu vaccines in the United States will include vaccine viruses or viral proteins from one influenza A(H1N1) virus, one influenza A(H3N2) virus, and one influenza B/Victoria lineage virus.
The updated COVID vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant and other currently circulating strains, offering improved protection against the strains that are most prevalent now and could restore protection against severe COVID that may have decreased over time. CDC anticipates the updated vaccines will be more effective at fighting currently circulating variants. A prior infection with suspected or confirmed COVID or flu does not protect you from future infections.
Vaccines are covered whole or in part by most insurance companies. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you. For those under 18 or unable to attend a drive-thru clinic, contact your local Southern 7 Public Health Clinic to make an appointment.
For more information call Southern 7 Health Department at 618-634-2297, download the Southern 7 App, or visit www.southern7.org.
Southern 7 Health Department is a public health department that serves communities of the seven southernmost counties in Illinois focusing on disease prevention, promoting of healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to healthcare services for the region.
