EASTHAMPTON – Sign-ups are open for a drive-thru flu clinic that will be hosted by the city next month, which is being held to lessen the disease’s impact amid the pandemic.
“If there’s a need for an additional clinic we’ll definitely have one,” said Bri Eichstaedt, the city’s health agent.
The clinic will be held on Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at Easthampton High School, and will have 240 flu shots available.
“The flu shot is covered by most insurances,” Eichstaedt said.
A limited number of vouchers will be available for those without insurance. Pre-registration is required for the clinic, and is open to all people ages 3 and older. So far, 35 people have pre-registered, Eichstaedt said.
The flu and COVID-19 have a number of symptoms in common. Eichstaedt said that a goal of the vaccinations is to make sure that there is enough capacity in hospitals for COVID-19 patients. She also said that the flu vaccine both decreases the chance of getting the flu and reduces symptoms for those who get the disease.
Registration for the clinic can be done at https://doodle.com/poll/9v5v4ub68ezxiba4. Those who require assistance can call the Health Department at 413-529-1400 ext. 430.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.