Drive-Thru-Flu shots available

Yes. It's that time of the year again.

Flu shot time.

While most of us tend to cringe at the sound of getting a shot, some think of it as a shot now, no flu later sort of a deal.

According to the Center for Disease Control website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu, the "CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. Flu activity is low across the United States now, but usually begins to increase in October and most commonly peaks between January and March."

Sweetwater County Community Nursing Arlene Watterson said the CDC started recommending agencies give out the shot as soon as they receive it. This was a change that took place last year and will probably remain.

"While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season," the CDC website states. "People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine becomes available, ideally by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins."

Green River residents will have two ways to get a shot this year. Watterson said on Saturday community nursing will once again offer the drive-thru clinic.

"It's just so much faster," she said.

Last year, was the first time community nursing offered the drive-thru service and they were interested to know on average how long it took each vehicle. Watterson said they even timed from the moment the car pulled in until it pulled out, which on average was three minutes.

"They don't even have to get out of the car," she said. "They just roll down the window."

She said the drive-thru is just more convenient for elderly and those who have to work during the regular flu clinic hours.

"It's so fun," she said.

Not just everyone can go through the quick and fast drive-thru however. Watterson said it is only open for those who are 10 and older and have had flu shots in the past. If a person has not had a flu shot in the past, they are usually required to sit for about 15 minutes to make sure there are no reactions.

The drive-thru clinic is not the only one the agency is hosting. On Oct. 2 from 8-11:30 a.m., residents can attend the walk-in clinic at the Golden Hour Senior Center.

If a person is unable to attend these events, but would still like to get a flu shot they can call community nursing at 872-3944 and set up an appointment. For faster service residents are encouraged to pre-print the flu forms. which are available at the website http://www.sweet.wy.us. Click on boards. Then scroll down to district board of health, community nursing and then flu.

Last year, a total of 2,467 shots were given, 1,142 in Green River and 1,325 in Rock Springs.

Influenza symptoms

According to the CDC, common influenza symptoms are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and some people experience vomiting or diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Drive-thru Flu Clinic

Drive-thru clinics are ages 10 years old and up only.

You must bring exact change or a check.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the parking lot of Golden Hour Senior Center

Cost is $20 for the injection

Medicare accepted, please bring card with you

Regular Flu Clinic

Oct. 2 from 8-11:30 am. In the Golden Hour Senior Center

Cost is $20 for injection and $35 for flu mist

Medicare accepted, please bring card with you