Providence hosts drive-thru flu shot clinic

Providence will offer a free drive-thru flu shot clinic starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic. The session is scheduled to run until 3 p.m. or until the vaccine supply is gone.

People can be vaccinated without leaving their cars, and appointments are not necessary. This clinic is partially funded by Providence’s Community Benefit program.

The free immunizations are available to people ages 11 and older. Although the clinic is open to all adults, Providence encourages use by participants who are low-income and lack health insurance or are underinsured.

The clinic is located in the University District at 624 E. Front Ave. near Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The facility also is ideal for people who might have difficulty walking since leaving vehicles isn’t required.

The vaccine provided will be the normal-strength one. The high-dose vaccine for people age 65 and older will not be available at the drive-thru clinic. Seniors wishing to have the stronger vaccine may call their primary care physician or pharmacy to learn how to receive them.

Flu season usually begins in October and can continue through May. This year, flu vaccination can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population and lessen the resulting burden on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who miss the free clinic, flu shots also are available from primary care doctors at Providence Medical Group and are generally covered by insurance. It is recommended for individuals to get their flu shot early to lessen their chances of fighting both influenza and the coronavirus simultaneously.