Vernon Hosting Another Drive-Up Clinic — This Time For Flu Shots

VERNON, Connecticut – The town of Vernon is hosting a drive-thru and walk-up influenza vaccination clinic next month.

The clinic is slated for Nov. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Park Place in front of the Vernon Town Hall. Members of the public will be able to get a vaccination while waiting in their cars or they can walk up to a tent on the sidewalk, town officials said.

Regular dose and higher-dose flu shots, for people 65 and older, will be available.

Vernon made a name for itself with drive-up vaccination clinics throughout the peak of the coronavirus pandemic and this time, the focus is on the flu.

"Health officials have long recommended getting a seasonal flu shot because it offers safe and effective protection against illness," Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. "Our goal with this clinic is to make getting the flu shot as easy and convenient as possible for those who want to be vaccinated."

Dr. Daksh Rampal, the medical director of Priority Urgent Care, said influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is caused by a virus. A flu shot can help prevent illness or reduce its severity.

For some people, he said, the flu can be dangerous, including children 12 months and younger; people who plan to be pregnant, are pregnant or gave birth during flu season; adults 65 and older; and people who live or work in facilities with many other residents, such as nursing homes.

"Others at higher risk for flu include people with weakened immune systems, a high body mass index, people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes," Rampal said.

Flu shots are covered by most health insurance at no or minimal cost. People are asked to bring their insurance cards.

No one will be turned away, officials said.