County to offer flu, COVID vaccination clinics this fall

With the start of flu season quickly approaching, the Chester County Health Department is hosting flu vaccination clinics, open to the entire community, at area schools from late September through November. This year, the Health Department will offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines at most community vaccine clinics. Appointments are required for all clinics.

Flu and COVID-19 viruses have many similar symptoms, including cough, chills, fever, body aches, fatigue, and runny or stuffy nose. With so many shared symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two. Becoming sick with the flu can make people more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, increasing the risk for serious illness.

The Chester County Health Department recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone aged six months and older.

“Influenza is more than just a runny nose and sore throat. It is a serious disease that can lead to missed work or school, hospitalization and sometimes even death. The best defense we have is getting vaccinated,” said Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department.

The Health Department will have the flu vaccine available for people as young as six months old and a special high-dose vaccine for seniors. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for individuals 6 months and older. If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 or need a recommended booster dose, you can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same appointment.

“It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time,” added Franklin. “For many, our upcoming vaccine clinics are an easy and convenient option to maximize their protection this fall as well as their families and neighbors. Whether it is a flu vaccine, or COVID-19 vaccine, I thank everyone choosing to be vaccinated.”

People with health insurance will not be charged a copay but should bring their insurance card for billing. People without insurance can receive vaccines and will not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs.

Health and safety measures will be in place at the Health Department’s clinics, and therefore masks will be required.

“From vaccines, to washing your hands, wiping down commonly touched surfaces like keyboards, phones and doorknobs, and staying home when you are sick, all are important steps in ensuring our health remains at its best this fall,” reminded Franklin. “With multiple viruses spreading this fall and winter, every bit of protection helps.”

The following are dates and times of community flu vaccine clinics:

9/29/2022	Great Valley Middle School	225 N Phoenixville Pike, Malvern	3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
10/6/2022	Kennett Middle School	195 Sunny Dell Road, Landenberg	3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
10/13/2022	Unionville High School	740 Unionville Road, Kennett Square	3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
10/17/2022	Gordon Early Literacy Center	351 Kersey Street, Coatesville	4:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
10/20/2022	Owen J Roberts Middle School	881 Ridge Road, Pottstown	3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
10/22/2022	Fugett Middle School	500 Ellis Lane, West Chester	9:00 a.m.to 12:15 p.m.