PEABODY — The City of Peabody Department of Health and Human Services will be offering a drive-through flu clinic for residents from six months and older Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
The clinic, the second one this fall, will take place at the Department of Public Service, 50 Farm Ave., Peabody.
“This year, it’s more important than ever that people get vaccinated against the flu,” said Health Director Sharon Cameron. “Flu season in Massachusetts generally peaks in February and March, so getting a flu shot now provides plenty of time to build immunity before the peak season,” Cameron said.
According to Cameron, there have been 415 cases of influenza documented in Peabody within the last year, and it is likely there were many more undocumented cases.
“Although the flu vaccine won’t protect against COVID-19, it will help reduce the prevalence and severity of illness caused by flu, and reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19,” Cameron said. “The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely flu is to spread throughout our community. This will help reduce stress on the healthcare system and ensure that those resources will be available when needed for people who are more likely to suffer serious complications from flu or from COVID-19.”
Pre-registration is advised. Registration forms may be found at https://peabody.k12.ma.us/. Residents should bring the completed form to the clinic. One form for each person to be vaccinated is required. Residents must bring their health insurance cards or Medicare cards, or other insurance information.
Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Pets are not permitted in any vehicle.
All participants must wear face masks at all times unless directed to remove them.
In addition to the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine for adults and children,
FluMist, the intranasal version of the vaccine, will be available for children if requested.
Residents are advised to wear clothing that provides easy access to the upper arm. Individuals must not have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 21 days and must not have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 21 days. Individuals must prescreen themselves prior to attending the clinic to ensure they are free from the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.
In line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cameron says the city encourages all Peabody residents six months of age and older to receive the flu vaccine.
“Flu vaccine provides our best protection against flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death,” she said, adding that the state health department reports that, during the 2016–2017 season (the most recent data available), vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations.
The CDC says that vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. People at high risk include those over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease or stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
Flu vaccination has many important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Cameron said the flu vaccine is also available at many local pharmacies and doctors’ offices for those who do not wish to wait in line.
Participants should approach the clinic from the Centennial Park Jubilee Drive area rather than the Forest Street area or Route 1 for the easiest access to the line.
For questions about the clinic, please contact the Health Department at 978-538-5926. For questions about the flu vaccine in general, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-seas
