Flu Shots Available

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Flu shots are now in stock at pharmacies and doctors offices so people may be protected this season.

Flu shot promotions are starting to pop up on flyers, bill boards, and in media adds. However, getting your shot now won’t be the best option. According to Doctor Vicki Whitacre from Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department getting a shot now may wear off before flu the season is over.

“The best timing though for the flu shot is to get it in October,” Whitacre said. “If you have that luxury, because it lasts about six months at its peak and flu season lasts clear over to march. So you want to get all six months covered if you can.”

Dr. Whitacre said flu shots are the most effective form of flu prevention for not just yourself, but everyone else. If many people get flu shots then the sickness cannot spread and for that reason flu shots are reasonably priced or free.

“If you come to our five flu clinics this year it is free to you,” Whitacre said. “We ask that you provide your insurance cards, so that we can bill [your insurance company]. So that enables us to buy [flu shots] for next year.”

The five flu clinics will not be at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds this year, instead the flu clinics will be held in a few different places. Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department will release updated information in October for the flu clinics.