Health Department Releases 2023 Fall Flu Clinic Schedule

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

The Garrett County Health Department has announced the 2023 Fall Flu Clinic schedule for the two Health Department sites (1025 Memorial Drive Oakland, and 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville) and select Senior Centers. 

“With the arrival of the fall season, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of getting your annual influenza (flu) vaccine,” said Jessica Carey, MSN. “Our community’s health and safety remain our top priority.”

Why Should You Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine? An annual flu vaccine is important in protecting yourself and those around you from the flu virus. 

Protect Your Health: The flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces your risk of contracting and spreading the flu.

Reduce the Burden on Healthcare Systems: By getting vaccinated, you help to prevent the healthcare systems from being overwhelming during flu season. This is especially important as the county continues to deal with the challenges of other viruses that can cause flu-like respiratory illnesses.

Protect High-Risk Individuals: Getting vaccinated not only safeguards your health but also protects those who may have weaker immune systems or chronic illnesses. You can be part of the solution in keeping your family and community safe.

Everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, should plan to attend one of the clinics as soon as possible, or get a vaccination from your healthcare provider or a pharmacy. Protecting yourself and the community from the flu is a responsibility shared by everyone.

Flu shots are available and recommended for anyone six (6) months of age and older.

Additionally, High Dose flu vaccine will be available for persons 65 and older and FluMist nasal flu vaccine will be offered for those ages 2-49 who are medically eligible.

The public is encouraged to schedule an appointment at garretthealth.org. Online registration will speed up the visit, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Garrett County Health Department 2023 Flu Clinic Schedule

10/02/2023 – GCHD (Oakland) – Mon., Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

10/04/2023 – Friendsville Senior Center – Wed., Oct. 4, from 11a.m.- 1 p.m. 

10/06/2023 – GCHD (Grantsville) – Fri., Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

10/10/2023 – Swanton Senior Center – Tue., Oct. 10, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

10/11/2023 – Kitzmiller Senior Center – Wed., Oct. 11, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

10/20/2023 – GCHD (Grantsville) – Fri, Oct 20, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

10/23/2023 – GCHD (Oakland) – Mon., Oct. 23, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

11/03/2023 – GCHD (Grantsville) – Fri., Nov. 3, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

11/06/2023 – GCHD (Oakland) – Mon., Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12/08/2023 – GCHD (Grantsville) – Fri., Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12/11/2023 – GCHD (Oakland) – Mon., Dec. 11, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Remember to bring your Insurance Card to the clinic. Insurance providers, including Medicare Part B, will be billed as appropriate. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for the flu shot regardless of your insurance status.

Symptom Similarity with COVID-19: Symptoms of the flu often overlap with those of COVID-19, causing confusion and anxiety. Getting your flu shot can reduce the chances of mistakenly attributing flu symptoms to COVID-19.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are coming SOON. Distribution issues are currently causing delays with the vaccine. Please watch for an announcement when the updated COVID-19 vaccine becomes available at the health department or check with a local pharmacy or healthcare provider for the newest COVID-19 vaccine. 

For more information about these Fall Flu Clinics or any other health-related inquiries, visit garretthealth.org, or contact the Health Department at [email protected]

Together, we can stay healthy and safe during this flu season!