With the weather turning colder in the coming weeks and months – flu season is picking up and many pharmacies and clinics in the area have flu shot vaccinations available.The Knox County Health Department will be opening their annual drive-thru clinic on Saturday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West from 7 to 10 A-M. This year marks the 16th year the Health Department has teamed up with Hinchliff Pearson West for the “Drive Thru Flu Shot” event. Erin Olson with the Health Department tells WGIL employees of the funeral home will be directing traffic, and nurses will be on hand giving flu shots on both sides vehicles going through. “(It) makes it a lot more convenient for a lot of our residents within the community,” Olson said. “We do have some residents who can’t get out of the car – so it’s a lot easier mobility-wise to keep them in the vehicle – we can just come right up, fill out the paperwork for them, give them the shot in their arm, and then they’re on their way. So a lot of it is just convenience.” The shot is for anyone 18 or older, and it’s a simple process to drive up and get vaccinated. Health Department staff can even fill out the forms for you. According to the Center for Disease Control, the peak time for the flu is between late November and March – and tests have proven that the flu vaccine lasts much longer than previously thought. January and February are the peak time periods for Knox County. Those who arrive will even be treated to donuts and Innkeeper’s coffee.
