Health Department Announces Upcoming Flu Shot Clinic

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – With the reduced severity of the symptoms associated with the Covid virus, it has become harder to distinguish it from the flu or a common cold.

Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Jack Butterfield announced an upcoming free vaccination event and explained how vaccinations can not only benefit the individual but everyone who may be around them. 

“We have our annual drive-through, shot clinic, which is at the fairgrounds on Tuesday, October 8th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is at no cost. We do ask people to bring a photo ID and their insurance card. We will bill insurance, but if there’s a balance, we do not bill the patient. If they don’t have insurance, there’s no cost,” Dr. Butterfield said.

The standard dose flu vaccine is recommended for anyone older than 6-months and the high dose will be available for those over 65 or who are immunocompromised. A Covid vaccination that covers the latest strains of the virus that are currently circulating will also be available.

“We know that the Covid infection, through its mutations has become more transmissible, that is more infectious, but the illness for most people is less severe. Now that is a very good thing. However, it’s less severe for the masses, not for the people that are at highest risk,” Dr. Butterfield said.

Vaccinations against respiratory viruses can lessen the symptoms of the illnesses in people who already have respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung disease, as well as reduce the transmission to others who may be immunocompromised with cancer or other infections. Free covid testing kits are available in the lobby of the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department.