In an effort to promote public health ahead of the flu season, the St. Charles County Department of Public Health is rolling out their "Flu Fighters" drive-thru vaccination clinic this Friday, offering free vaccinations to the community. The event, scheduled for 3-7 p.m. on September 26 at St. Charles Community College, aims to simplify the vaccination process with a "No Cost, No Cards, No Hassle" approach, according to a statement by the St. Charles County Department of Public Health.
"Our focus this year is all about removing barriers," Acting Director of the SCCDPH, Sara Evers said, emphasizing the convenience of the drive-thru format which allows for anyone to receive vaccinations from their vehicles, a boon for families with small children, older adults, and persons with mobility or sensory challenges as well as those without regular access to healthcare. Appointments can be made by calling 636-949-1857 or visiting the department's website, as noted by St. Charles County.
The event not only offers standard flu vaccinations for individuals aged 6 months and above but also provides high-dose vaccinations for those aged 65 and over, Evers highlighted the yearly challenge many face in obtaining these shots, whether due to the logistics of wrangling children at a pharmacy or arranging transport for at-risk seniors for additional doctor visits.
Contributing to this community effort, SSM Health and BJC HealthCare are donating more than 850 doses of the vaccine, while the St. Charles Community College both hosts the event and has their Nursing Program's teams administer the shots the St. Charles County Ambulance District lends staff trained to work with children and special needs groups; and, acknowledgments are due to McAlister's Deli and the Rotary Club of Cottleville/Weldon Spring for providing food and water to the staff and volunteers.
For those planning to attend, the drive-thru can be accessed by turning at the traffic signal for Cottleville Parkway from Mid Rivers Mall Drive, entering the college campus at the southwest entrance, with staff directing participants into the designated Yellow Parking Lot. In case of significant rain, an indoor venue at the college will serve as a backup location, with notifications sent via email and updates on the health department's social media platforms.
