ST CHARLES, Mo. — St. Charles County Department of Public Health is partnering with area organizations for a free, drive-thru flu shot clinic in October.
The vaccination clinic will be held from 2:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Yellow Parking Lot at St. Charles Community College, which is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville.
The vaccines are available to those 6 months and older and an appointment is necessary. To schedule one, go to sccmo.as.me/flufighters or call 636-949-1899.
The clinic will offer two types of vaccines. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is appropriate for those 6 months and older and protects against the four most prevalent flu viruses expected this season: H1N1, H3N2 and two influenza B viruses.
The high-dose influenza vaccine provides extra protection for those age 65 and older, containing more than four times the amount of antigen than the standard vaccine to strengthen the body's ability to create antibodies. Citing a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, the health department said this vaccine has been shown to be 24% more effective than the traditional influenza vaccination for those ages 65 and older.
For those who are unable to attend the free event, the St. Charles County Immunization Clinic will provide flu vaccinations throughout the season by appointment at 1650 Boone’s Lick Rd. in St. Charles. Through the clinic, flu shots are $36 for the quadrivalent vaccine and $62 for the high-dose vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 636-949-1857.
According to the health department, recent studies report that flu vaccination reduced the risk for serious illness by more than 50% and the risk for flu-related death by 31%.
“Countries in the southern hemisphere are reporting increased influenza activity during their winter,” stated Sara Evers, the health department's acting director, in a release announcing the event. “In anticipation of the potential that this year may be more disruptive for us than the past several, the Department of Public Health recommends getting a flu shot now to allow protective antibodies to fully develop before the traditional flu season begins this fall.”
Those who would like to help with the event as a volunteer or sponsor are asked to contact the St. Charles County Emergency Planner at 636-949-7554 before Oct. 1.
The health department is partnering with BJC Health Care, SSM Health, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles County CAPS, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District for the event.
For more information and tips for preventing the spread of the flu, visit the health department's website.
