DAVENPORT, Iowa — Flu season is quickly coming and with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, doctors say this year could be the most challenging yet.
Free with insurance
Walk-in flu vaccination clinics are open at the Rock Island County Health Department from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 13, 20 and 27 as well as on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Masks and social distancing will be enforced to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
“This year is it vitally important for everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine because COVID-19 and serious cases of influenza use the same health care resources: intensive care beds, ventilators and staff,” said Janet Hill with the Rock Island County Health Department.
“COVID-19 and influenza are different viruses. You could get both. However, a flu shot greatly reduces the probability that you will get the flu. Please get the flu vaccination to help preserve health care resources and take care of our community’s health.”
St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehabilitation at 767 30th Street, Rock Island is also hosting a drive-thru flu shot clinic on Oct. 20 and 27 from noon to 2 p.m.
Organizers ask all participants to wear masks and bring a photo ID and insurance card.
Free for children
Keep you and your loved ones safe with a free flu vaccination for your child Oct. 24, 2020. Check back here for more information as the event gets closer.
Typically, doctors administer shots at all local schools. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a free, drive-through flu vaccination clinic will be held in the Florian Keen Parking Lot at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa.
Participants will not have to exit their vehicles.
Those who plan on getting a flu shot should fill out a consent form in advance, here.
"No one knows what this is exactly going to look like but we will be here to help," Dr. Anne O'Donnell with Genesis Health Systems said.
"However what we do know is what were already doing to spread… to prevent the spread of COVID 19 virus, that will help prevent the spread of the influenza virus.