Drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday

As flu season approaches, the La Salle County Health Department will be hosting a drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday.

The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the La Salle County Governmental Complex, 707 Etna Road, Ottawa. Recipients of the flu vaccine are asked to wear a mask and a short-sleeved shirt.

For easy access, sit with your preferred arm facing the window.

The drive-thru clinic is open to the public and no appointment is necessary. The process will make it more convenient and safer because of COVID-19 restrictions, county health officials said.

To keep the flow of the drive-thru clinic and to save time, participants can register ahead of the event.

To register, go to www.lasallecounty.org. Early registration ends Friday at 3:30 pm.

The health department will offer insurance billing or cash-only payment; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. The fee for the seasonal flu shot is $25. The fee for influenza high dose is $50. Most insurances will be accepted. You must have your insurance card with you and a photo ID. No doctor’s order is required.

The agency will vaccinate only clients 19 years and older. Call to schedule appointments for children to receive their flu shots. No pneumonia vaccines are available at this event. All La Salle County Health Department influenza vaccines are preservative-free.

To lessen your chances of developing the flu, adults and children need to practice good hygiene measures. Teach the importance of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and educate children about hand to mucous membrane transmission. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your children is through frequent and thorough hand washing. People who are exhibiting “flu-like” symptoms should stay home from work, out of childcare and school to minimize transmission.

For more information on influenza, call 815-433-3366 or visit www.lasallecounty.org.