County health board sets up drive-through flu clinic

The drive-through flu clinic is part of the health department’s pandemic preparedness activities.

STAFF REPORTS

CANFIELD — The Mahoning County District Board of Health is conducting a drive-through flu shot clinic at the Canfield Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday.

The cost of the flu shot is $25. Medicaid and Medicare recipients are asked to bring their cards to the clinic. All individuals with a driver’s license should take it to the clinic.

Children 6 months and older, adults and seniors are encouraged to get a flu shot, said county health Commissioner Matthew Stefanak.

The public is asked to enter the fairgrounds, on state Route 46, through two entrances: Gate 2 on Fairground Boulevard and Gate 10 on Leffingwell Road, where they will be directed to registration and where flu shots will be given. Individuals are asked to wear short-sleeved shirts or jackets that can be easily removed to receive the flu shot. All participants will remain in their vehicles while completing the registration forms and receiving their flu shots, Stefanak said.

The county health district is conducting the drive-through flu clinic as part of its pandemic preparedness activity as well as a convenient way for the public to receive flu shots.

If pandemic influenza or another disease emerges, people will be advised to stay home and not congregate in public areas, a concept called “social distancing.” A drive-through clinic would be the best way to immunize large numbers of people with the least amount of exposure to illness or disease, the health commissioner said.

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