Health Department Planning Flu Vaccine Clinics for October

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department is currently working on plans for community flu vaccine clinics beginning in early October. There will be several clinics in Oakland and Grantsville over the next few months.

Due to COVID-19, there will be some important changes to how the clinics will run.  

• It is anticipated that all persons will be required to schedule a flu vaccine appointment in order to comply with physical distancing.
• To minimize close contact, walk-ins will not be able to be accommodated.
• All persons must arrive for their appointment with a face covering.
• The health department will have spacing markers, and hand sanitizer readily available.

Stay tuned for dates, locations, and details on how to schedule your flu vaccine appointment at the Health Department. We encourage getting flu vaccine as soon as possible. For example, doctor’s office and pharmacies may already have flu vaccines available.  

Because symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza can be similar, health officials are recommending that all persons, aged 6 months and older, get their flu vaccine as soon as it is available this year.  

Remember, the strategies to reduce viral respiratory illnesses are similar for both influenza and COVID-19. Help control the spread of respiratory illness by washing your hands and cleaning and disinfecting your environment frequently, covering respiratory secretions, and staying home while sick.