‘Flu Fighters’ Offers Free Drive-Thru Vaccinations Sept. 26

A coalition of community health partners are teaming up again this year to make flu vaccinations cost-free and hassle-free. The annual Flu Fighters drive-thru vaccination clinic, organized by St. Charles County Department of Public Health, is scheduled 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at St. Charles Community College.

"Our focus this year is all about removing barriers: 'No Cost, No Cards, No Hassle.' We are committed to making our Flu Fighters event as convenient and accessible as possible," said Sara Evers, Acting Director of the SCCDPH.

"Anyone can come and receive free immunizations from the comfort of their own vehicle, without having to worry about insurance, receipts or lots of paperwork. It's especially convenient for families with young children, older adults, persons with mobility or sensory challenges, and people who don't have regular access to a doctor."

Standard-dose flu vaccinations are available for those age 6 months and older, and high-dose vaccinations for age 65 and older.

"Obtaining an annual flu vaccination can be a challenge for many, especially when it involves lugging young children to stand in line at the pharmacy or grocery store, or transporting older, high-risk adults for an extra doctor visit," Evers said.

"Our goal is to make staying healthy more convenient for everyone."

To schedule a specific appointment time, call 636-949-1857 or visit sccmo.as.me/flufighters. Unscheduled immunizations will be accommodated while supplies last.

Flu Fighters is made possible with the help of community partners working together with the Department of Public Health:

• SSM Health and BJC HealthCare collectively donate enough flu vaccines to make more than 850 doses available to the public for free.
• St. Charles Community College hosts the vaccination site, and the college's Nursing Program provides teams to administer vaccines.
• St. Charles County Ambulance District sends staff who are specially trained to work with children and special needs groups.
• Food and water for staff and volunteers generously donated by McAlister's Deli and the Rotary Club of Cottleville/Weldon Spring.

Directions for accessing the drive-thru event:
From Mid Rivers Mall Drive, turn at the traffic light for Cottleville Parkway. Enter the college campus at the southwest entrance, across the street from the apartments. Staff will direct you from there into the Yellow Parking Lot on the left.

In the event of a significant rain forecast, the event will be held indoors at SCC. Those who have registered for the clinic will be notified by email, and the change will be posted on the Department of Public Health social media accounts.