CARIBOU Maine — Cary Medical Center will host free drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in five locations over the coming weeks.
All clinics are from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The drive-thru format aims to help participants maintain physical distancing while getting their vaccine.
Flu shots will be administered on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Fort Fairfield Community Center; Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Van Buren Community School; Thursday, Oct. 8, at Washburn High School; Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Limestone Community School; and Thursday, Oct. 15, at Caribou High School.
“We are excited to be offering these drive-thru flu clinics,” said Kris Doody, RN, Cary CEO. “This is a double win. We can keep people safe and physically distanced, while getting a vaccine that will help prevent the flu.”
Those attending a drive-thru clinic must wear a mask, follow traffic directions, wear loose clothing to show the upper arm and be ready to fill out a consent form. Anyone feeling ill or who has a fever should get the vaccine at a later date.
Vaccines are available at no cost. Children under 9 should receive their flu vaccine from their school or healthcare provider. Pines Health Services is providing free vaccine to several area schools and to children who have appointments with Pines Pediatrics.
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the vaccine each year. It is especially important that pregnant women, older adults and young children get the vaccine, as well as people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, compromised immune systems and diabetes.
