Sparta Community Hospital and Quality Healthcare Clinics are urging everyone to get their annual flu shot this season, especially during the double threat along with the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but they will reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths on the health care system and conserve scarce medical resources for the care of people with COVID-19.
Our organization is very aware of the many people in our community that may still be afraid to leave home due to exposure of COVID-19. For that reason, Sparta Community Hospital and Quality Healthcare Clinics are offering a Fight the Flu Drive Through clinic.
“Our fear is that the pandemic will decrease the number of patients getting their flu vaccines this year. States CEO, Joann Emge. Also, those who are on furloughs or out of work may not have access to the vaccine as they did at their workplace in prior years. We plan to give our communities an alternative that will be quick, safe and convenient.”
Beginning September 22, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, starting at 8am, you may contact your provider or Convenient Care, 618-443-1DOC (1362), for a scheduled slot to get your flu shot at our drive through location.
Quality Healthcare Clinics will continue to offer flu vaccines at their clinics for those who feel comfortable going to their doctor’s office. Some patients will most likely have their annual in-office wellness check-up where their doctor will recommend getting their annual flu vaccine.
Regardless of whether those wanting the vaccine go to their doctor’s clinic, or choose to take advantage of the Fight the Flu Drive Through, they should be prepared for temperature checks, screening questions, required mask and social distancing. They also should expect those giving the vaccine to be wearing personal protective gear, and disinfecting areas between patients.