Montgomery County health officials urge residents to get a flu vaccination this year and announced the dates to four free clinics.
County-sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will include free clinics for residents over the age of 14 and two free clinics specifically for children between the ages of six months to 18-years-old. This year there will only be one drive-thru flu clinic available. The County will offer flu shots only and high dose flu vaccines and FluMist will not be available.
Appointments can be scheduled on the County’s flu website or call 311. Appointments are strongly encouraged but walk-ups will be accepted based on availability of vaccines.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
White Oak Community Recreation Center
1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
This is an indoor flu clinic.
Masks are required and social distancing will be in place.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
2 to 6 p.m.
Universities at Shady Grove Parking Garage
9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville
This will be a drive-thru clinic.
Masks are required and social distancing will be in place.
The two clinics held for children only will be held indoors. There are no walk-ups for these clinics and appointments can be made on the Maryland Vax website. Additionally, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Saturday, Nov. 7
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring
Saturday, Nov. 21
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring
Anyone not wanting to get the flu should receive the seasonal flu vaccination. Those particularly at risk are the elderly, household members living with children younger than six months of age, health care workers and individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can often help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. The County suggests good health habits such as the following:
- Always cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a trash receptacle. Or, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Alcohol hand sanitizer (minimum 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. These are places germs can enter the body easily.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
- Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever which include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.
- If you are sick, stay home from work, school or other public places until you are feeling well.
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