T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Garen Rhome, administrator of the Harrison County Health Department, announces the fourth annual “Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic” will be available Oct. 9. Harrison health department to hold flu shot clinic Oct. 9

CADIZ — The Harrison County Health Department will offer its annual “Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic” in early October.

Health department Administrator Garen Rhome made the announcement at Wednesday’s commissioners’ meeting. Rhome said the fourth annual event is set for Oct. 9.

“We are doing our fourth annual ‘Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic’ coming up on Oct. 9 out at the Government Center,” he said.

The clinic will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the health department, located on North Main Street in Cadiz. The event will serve adults and children 3 years old and up.

Rhome said it is a convenient and safe method for residents to be vaccinated against the flu.

“You can social distance by staying in your car, you don’t have to stand in line,” he said.

All safety measures will be in place, Rhome said. The nurses and staff will all don proper personal protective equipment for everyone’s safety during the event.

Those interested in participating in the drive-through service will simply drive to the location, roll down their window and roll up their sleeve to receive the shot.

Rhome said the department has seen a greater response each year as more residents decide to take advantage of the service.

“Every single year we’ve done it, we’ve seen an increase in participation from the residents. More people are taking advantage of it, and we expect maybe even more people this year to decide to drive through,” he said.

The department is hoping for a good turnout this year as well, he said.

Rhome said being vaccinated for the flu this season is especially important amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“The community and our health care workers in Harrison County have done a great job at minimizing the burden on local and regional health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s flu vaccination will be very important because it can continue to help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses in our community and thus lessen the resulting burden on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The drive-through clinic accepts most private insurances. Individuals should bring all appropriate insurance cards to the event. The cost to pay out-of-pocket is $25, the price of the flu shot.

For more information on the clinic, visit the health department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HarrisonCoHealthDepartment.