Providence free drive-through adult flu & COVID-19 VACCINATION clinic Oct. 2

WALLA WALLA—Providence will offer its annual free drive-through adult flu shot clinic on Oct. 2 at the Providence Southgate Medical Park main building entrance (former main entrance of Walla Walla General Hospital) from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the vaccine is gone.

People can be vaccinated against the flu without leaving their cars, and no appointments are necessary. People are asked to follow the Southgate campus signs and mask up to protect Providence caregivers while being immunized. Walk-ups also are accepted.

COVID-vaccinations also will be available to those who would like to receive them. COVID-19 shots are only available on a walk-up basis and can’t be given in the drive-through. According to the CDC, receiving both COVID-19 and flu immunizations simultaneously is safe and does not increase side effects. People who would like to receive both are advised to use the walk-in option for both.

The clinic is sponsored by Providence St. Mary Medical Center and Providence Medical Group in cooperation with the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health.

Free flu immunizations are available to adults aged 18 and over. The COVID-19 vaccinations are available to ages 12 and over.

No flu vaccine for children under 12 will be available at this clinic. To get flu immunizations for your children, please call your primary care physician. The clinic also will not have a high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and over or FluMist. People who need FluMist or high dosage shots should contact their primary care providers.

This will be the 10th year Providence and Community Health have teamed up to offer a one-day free flu clinic.

Flu season usually begins in October and can last through May. The CDC recommends annual immunizations for adults to protect them from the flu and that everyone gets vaccinated against COVID-19. Being immunized against the flu and COVID defends you and your loved ones and helps prevent hospitalization.