Flu Shot Clinic Held at Fairgrounds

October 3, 2023

Shylin Costello,

Image: — A patient receives a flu shot from a healthcare professional as The CHP (Community Health Program) Mobile Health Unit parked at South Street Congregational Church, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Pittsfield, Mass. Flu shots are strongly encouraged this year due to COVID-19. (Ben Garver/The Berkshire Eagle via AP)

453 flu shots and 357 Covid boosters were handed out at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.

The Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department held their annual free flu shot clinic.

“Vaccines need to be given about two weeks before you have an adequate antibody response. So, we recommend that the vaccines be given by the end of October if at all possible,” said ZMCHD Medical Director Jack Butterfield.

In addition to getting the flu shot the community is encouraged to practice other health habits.

“Wash your hands. Most viruses are transmitted very easily. Hand to mouth. And so, washing your hands frequently helps to prevent that. Those are probably the major ways. Social distancing, masking, and hand washing,” advised Dr. Butterfield.

The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Zanesville, Muskingum University and Muskingum County EMA all took part in the drive thru clinic. The event gave all contributing agencies the ability to exercise response plans.