Free Flu Shots Available at Rambo Memorial Health Center

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The onset of fall leads to cooler temperatures, which ushers in cold and flu season.

Each year, Rambo Memorial Health offers the public free flu vaccinations, which help to minimize the effects of the virus and reduce the spread of the contagion. 

“It’s time again Muskingum County. Influenza season is here. Even though it’s a beautiful sunny day outside, it is the start of flu season. Rambo Memorial Health Center is going to give free flu vaccines once again this year. They are for ages 6-months to however old you are. We have high-dose for those over 65-years-of-age and we have regular-dose for those under the age of 65,” Rambo Memorial Health Center Executive Director Shannon Bell said.

Rambo has a limited supply of egg-free vaccinations for those with egg allergies, as well as a limited supply of flu mist that can be administered without injection.

“When you get a flu vaccine, it is designed to charge your immune system,” Bell said. “It’s looking for that immune response. So when the real flu does come to you, then your body is already prepared. It’s kind of like; oh, we’ve already done that, we’re not worried about it. And your symptoms are going to be a lot less milder. You have the potential to not be hospitalized and the flu can be fatal.”

Vaccines are effective for 6-months, which means that getting one now will last through mid-March. Rambo will extend their hours during October to make getting vaccinated more convenient for the working public in addition to offering curbside service for anyone with mobility issues.