Flu shot clinics planned

This year’s flu shot clinics will be available in nine locations throughout the county.

Social distancing rules will be in place as people fill out paperwork and wait for their shot, but health department staff will need to be closer than six feet to give people their shots.

“Because our staff at the health department has designed each clinic with Covid-19 safety guidelines in mind, there’s minimal reason for concern in venturing from your home to get your annual flu shot,” flu clinic coordinator Jessica Gilbert said. “We thank the public, right up front, for their patience and consideration of one another as they get flu shots this year. Practicing Covid-19 safety means the process will look and feel a bit different than in years past. Safety, health and wellness are our goals.”

People will be required to wear face coverings, sanitize hands, and have their temperature taken.

No one should come to a flu shot clinic if they feel unwell.

Flu shot clinics could be canceled or postponed if the county has an increase in COVID-19 cases. To stay up-to-date on the status of flu shot clinics, check the health department’s social media page or call the health department at (620) 382-2550.

Appointments at the health department, 504 S. Roosevelt, will be scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting Sept. 14. Vaccine manufacturers suggest people wait until October so the vaccination lasts through spring.

A walk-in evening clinic will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the health department. Visitors will be spaced six feet apart as they fill out paperwork or wait their turn. People will be asked to wait in their vehicles until they are called if there is not enough space in the waiting room.

Clinics will be held:

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at Tampa Senior Center.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Burns Community Building.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at Peabody Senior Center.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Florence ambulance center.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Marion Senior Center.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Lincolnville Community Center.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Peabody City Hall.
• 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Marion County health fair, 104 N. Thorp, Marion.

Major health insurance including BCBS, Medicare and state KanCare will be billed. Uninsured adults should call and ask about state-funded flu shots.