Health Department To Give Away Free Flu Shots

Summer is winding down and fall is knocking at our doorstep. This means that flu season is right around the corner.

The Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department is preparing for their annual flu-shot drive-through. Immunization Coordinator for the Health Department, Jamie Heinzman told us the event is more than just preparing the community for the flu season.

“The biggest thing is it’s for our emergency preparedness.” Explained Heinzman, “So it’s to test our capabilities to work with our agency and other agencies in the community in case a disaster happened here in Muskingum County. It’s our response for that.”

It will take place at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 8. The event is open to Muskingum County Residents ages three and older only. It is completely free to receive your flu shot. Heinzman explained what you need to do.

“We ask that they bring their ID and their insurance card.” Said Heinzman, “..we try to bill insurance to recoup some of the funds so that we can sustain this event in the long term for the community.”

Even if you do not have health insurance, you can still recieve a free flu shot. If you do not live within the County and wish to receive the vaccine, Heinzman said it is best to check with your local physician first and then an area pharmacist. Last year the Health Department distributed one thousand nine hundred and seventy seven vaccines. For more information you can visit the Health Department’s website: zmchd.org