The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) in collaboration with the City of Alexandria announced that they will provide two opportunities for free flu shots this fall.
The AHD strongly recommends that everyone 6 months and older receives an annual flu shot and emphasizes that this year it is even more important.
“The flu shares many symptoms with COVID-19. Fewer cases of flu-related illness reduces time lost from school and work, preventable hospitalizations, and strain on Alexandria’s health care providers already busy treating COVID-19 patients,” the AHD said in a recent news release. The flu vaccine will also allow for the safer mass administration of a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
The first opportunity will be a drive-through only event on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at T. C. Williams High School, located at 3330 King St. This event is open for youth and adults who are age 12 years or older with a maximum of four people per vehicle.
The second opportunity will be walk-up only event on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at Francis C. Hammond Middle School, located at 4646 Seminary Road, and is open to children and adults age 6 months and older. Parking will be available at this location.
All shots will be provided at no cost and proof of residency or insurance will not be required.
Participants in the flu shot clinics are required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing. Participants should bring their own pen to fill out forms to reduce touching shared surfaces. The AHD asks that anyone who is sick, even with mild symptoms, not attend the clinics.
For anyone unable to attend the free flu shot clinics, many pharmacies also offer flu shots which can be obtained at little to no cost for those with insurance.
For more on the free flu shots and other important health related information, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Health.
