A coalition of community health partners are teaming up again this year to make flu vaccinations free and convenient. The annual Flu Fighters drive-thru vaccination clinic, organized by St. Charles County Department of Public Health, is scheduled 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at St. Charles Community College.
“We’ve focused on making our Flu Fighters event as easy and accessible as possible,” says Sara Evers, Acting Director of the Department of Public Health. “Anyone can come and receive free immunizations from the comfort of their own vehicle. It’s especially convenient for families with young children, seniors, persons with mobility challenges, and people who don’t have regular access to a doctor.”
Standard-dose flu vaccinations are available for those age 6 months and older, and high-dose vaccinations for age 65 and older.
“Obtaining an annual flu vaccination can be a challenge for many folks, but it’s important because the influenza virus changes every year,” Evers says. “Our goal is to remove or reduce barriers faced by the community, so that staying healthy can be more convenient for everyone.”
In other words, the Flu Fighters event allows parents to avoid lugging young children to stand in line at the pharmacy or grocery store and helps caregivers spare ailing loved ones the hassle and expense of yet another doctor visit.
To schedule a specific appointment time, call 636-949-1857 or visit sccmo.as.me/flufighters. Unscheduled immunizations will be accommodated while supplies last.
Flu Fighters is made possible with the help of community partners working together with the Department of Public Health:
- SSM Health and BJC HealthCare collectively donate enough flu vaccines to make more than 800 doses available to the public for free.
- St. Charles Community College hosts the vaccination site, and the college’s Nursing Program provides teams to administer vaccines.
- St. Charles County Ambulance District sends staff who are specially trained to work with children and special needs groups.
Directions for accessing the drive-thru event:
From Mid Rivers Mall Drive, turn at the traffic light for Cottleville Parkway. Enter the college campus at the southwest entrance, across the street from the apartments. Staff will direct you from there into the Yellow Parking Lot on the left.
In the event of a significant rain forecast, the event will be held indoors at SCC. Those who have registered for the clinic will be notified by email, and the change will be posted on the Department of Public Health social media accounts.
