Health Dept. turning flu shots into fun community event

Posted 9/14/22

The Warren County Health Department is taking an innovative approach to flu shot clinics this fall. In a new campaign to get community adults vaccinated for flu season, the health department is …

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Health Dept. turning flu shots into fun community event

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The Warren County Health Department is taking an innovative approach to flu shot clinics this fall. In a new campaign to get community adults vaccinated for flu season, the health department is teaming up with area food truck vendors to offer special days when visitors can get good food and free flu shots all in one place.

“This new flu shot campaign has a two-fold purpose,” said county Health Director Stacey White. “We are working hard to increase the rate of flu vaccinations, which have been down the past couple years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to support the growing number of local and regional food trucks/vendors ... as they struggled during the pandemic as well.”

The health department has invited different food vendors to set up at more than half-a-dozen free flu clinics this fall that will take place in the parking lot of the Warren County Administration Building on South Highway 47 in Warrenton. Flu shots at these clinics will be offered in tents in the parking lot (weather permitting) next to the food trucks.

“We want people to patronize these businesses and have the convenience of getting their flu shot for the 2022-23 flu season at the same stop,” said White. “We invite anyone who wants to patronize the food trucks to come up as well. You do not have to get a flu shot to visit the food vendors.”

Although flu shots aren’t required, White said everyone who receives a vaccination will get a discount coupon to use with any of the food vendors on the lot.

Flu shots at these clinics will be for adults age 19 years and older. The health department will also have high-dose vaccines specifically for seniors.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the flu shot, but those with Medicare Part B as their primary health plan are asked to bring their card.

A flu shot is not required in order to enjoy any of the food from vendors at the events, who will be selling at their regular menu price for anyone who wants to stop by.

“We are hoping this may increase the number of people who get protection from influenza this fall and winter, and we want our food truck folks to get more exposure and sales by providing them a free place to set up for business on the days of our clinics,” explained White. “We will have different food trucks/vendors on different dates, which means a wide variety of food options and drinks will be available. We are looking forward to seeing the community come out to support these businesses while getting their flu shots.”

The health department currently has seven clinic dates scheduled for September, October and November, although dates are subject to change due to vaccine supply, inclement weather and adequate staffing.

The first food truck day is set for Thursday, Sept. 29, with the Ramblin’ Rounds donut truck and Southern Grace Coffee coming to the lot from 7 a.m. to noon. Vaccinations will be administered from 9 a.m. to noon.

Both food trucks will be back again for the same time slot on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Additional dates featuring a rotation of other food vendors will continue to be published in this newspaper and other media throughout the fall.

Flu shot, Vaccination, Warren County Health Department, Food truck

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