SPOKANE, Wash.  – Sept 20, 2010 – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is encouraging community members to get their flu shot at Spokane’s first drive-thru flu shot clinic. The health district will host the clinic Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place.

Drivers and up to three passengers, ages 13 and older, are invited to visit the specially-designated pull through, roll up their sleeve and receive an injection to protect against flu this season.

"We want flu shots in our community to be as accessible as possible so we can keep our residents healthy this flu season," said Dr. Joel McCullough, health officer, Spokane Regional Health District. "Many surrounding areas have successfully operated this type of drive-thru for several years. Using their best practices, we’re hoping for the same positive outcomes.”

Flu shots are $10 for adults age 19 and older. Children’s flu shots, for those 6 months through 18 years, are free. For those that are under 13 years, and for anyone who does not wish to use the drive thru, SRHD is also hosting a walk-in clinic at the same location. New this year to the walk-in clinic, a secret superhero and popular princess will also be onsite receiving their flu shots to help ease the fears of little ones.

SRHD will be accepting Medicaid and Medicare, so please bring your cards with you to the clinic. Individuals are also encouraged to fill out their registration paperwork prior to arriving—the form can be found online at www.srhd.org/fluform. 

Whether it’s a community flu clinic, scheduling an appointment at the SRHD Public Health Clinic at (509) 324-1600, or a visit to the family health care provider, the best way to protect against the flu is by getting immunized. 

This year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. Unlike last year, people age 9 and over only need a single shot of flu vaccine to protect against three strains of the flu, including the 2009 H1N1 virus. Some children 6 months to 8 years of age may require two doses of this year's flu vaccine. For questions, contact your health care provider or call SRHD's Public Health Clinic at (509) 324-1600.

For more information about the Oct. 2 clinic, please contact Kristi Siahaya at (509) 324-1480 or ksiahaya@spokanecounty.org. The attached fact sheet also provides further details. More information can also be found at www.srhd.org. The site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.