Flu Shot Drive-thru Wraps Up

Around 2,000 Muskingum County residents are now better protected from the flu virus.

Local healthcare providers and other sponsors came together to make it easier and faster for you to get your vaccination. The Health Department administered around 2,000 flu shots, for free, to Muskingum County residents who didn’t even have to leave their vehicles.

Although there are other preventative measures to protect yourself from the flu, Public Health Nurse, Jamie Heinzman, said the vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the virus.

“It’s the most effective way and the best way to do that, you can do hand-washing and things like that, but the vaccine’s efficacy against the virus is the best way to protect yourself,” Heinzman said.

Heinzman said the vaccine protects individuals from four common forms of flu strains that are projected to be circulating this season. The vaccine could result in minor side effects, including redness and swelling at the injection site, and is not recommended for those with a history of severe allergic reactions to eggs.

“You might see different reactions in elderly and in small children, they tend to react a little bit differently, but typically in trials of our vaccine they really only saw injection site pain, redness and swelling were the most common ones,” Heinzman said.

If you missed Thursday’s clinic, the Health Department advises contacting your physician, or checking with a pharmacy or Rambo Memorial Health Center.