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In 2020, 380 people came through the Auglaize County Health Department’s flu shot drive-thru clinic, but last year that number was halved to about 180 due to the “misinformation and distrust around vaccines in general,” that arose due to COVID, explained Wapakoneta-native Oliver Fisher, health commissioner, who has held that post since 2014.
This year, Fisher hopes that number will rise.
The health department will be offering its third annual drive-thru clinic for individuals ages 6 months and older from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Miller Building at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive, Wapakoneta.
In terms of the safety and efficacy of flu shots, when recipients are properly screened, there are few, if any, problems.
“Flu vaccines have been around for a very, very long time. In our past administering it, since I’ve been here, I don’t believe we’ve had any adverse reactions from it. The most common one is that the site of injection may be tender,” said Fisher.
A popular misconception people have is that the flu vaccine gives people the flu.
“I want to reiterate that the flu vaccine does not give you the flu,” Fisher emphasized. “It is much like the tetanus shot, which does not give you tetanus.”
A second fact that people are sometimes confused about, Fisher said, is that “there are two types of flu: the ‘stomach flu’ and the ‘respiratory influenza’ flu. The vaccine that we provide—the vaccine you get when get the flu shot—is only protecting against respiratory influenza.”
If someone gets the “stomach flu,” it is not an indication that their flu shot did not work, Fisher explained, or that the flu shot caused them to feel nauseous or like they have stomach discomfort.
The drive-thru flu clinic fits into the overall mission of the Auglaize County Health Department, said Fisher.
“The health department is here to protect the community’s health and make sure they have a better living environment. Part of that is making sure everyone is protected against things that we can protect you against that are preventable. Influenza: we have a shot for that, that offers some protection. The big thing we can do is just encourage people to take advantage of it.”
The other is to make it easier to get a flu shot.
The drive-thru vaccine opportunity is an easy and more accessible option than an office visit, said Fisher. Some people may want a flu shot but have difficulty getting one, either because they cannot take time off work or do not want to have the hassle of scheduling an appointment.
“It’s a very easy process. The idea behind this clinic is it makes it easy. Rather than scheduling an appointment, coming in and having to take time out of your day to [get a flu shot]. Hopefully, you can squeeze it in during your day, if you are running errands around town, during your lunch hour, or after you get the kids from school,” said Fisher.
According to Fisher, the flu shot is designed to help reduce symptoms. It especially helps those who have vulnerable systems, like the immunocompromised or those with other medical conditions. The decision to not get a flu shot, he said, can essentially make contracting the flu a more unpleasant experience.
For those 65 and older, the “high dose” flu shot is available.
While it is difficult to guess the dominant strain of flu each year, the goal is to boost protection, Fisher explained.
Copies of the form are also available at the fairgrounds. To save time, however, individuals can complete a registration form available online at auglaizehealth.org/sites/default/files/FLU%20Vaccine%20Form%209-15-2022%20%281%29.pdf and bring that, along with any insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid cards. The flu shot is usually covered by insurance.
Approaching the drive-thru, cars should enter the fairground using the East entrance off of Dearbaugh Avenue. There will be screening station checkpoints to go over the registration form’s screening questions to ensure there are no factors that could cause an adverse reaction.
The flu shot supply is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis during the drive-thru clinic. Should they run out, an appointment can be scheduled to come into the Health Department, which is located at 813 Defiance St., Wapakoneta, for a flu shot on another day.
It should be noted that this clinic is solely for the flu shot. The COVID-19 vaccine will not be available. Those wishing to receive a COVID-19 booster should inquire with the Auglaize County Health Department by calling 419-738-3410.
