Summit County is bringing back its drive-thru vaccination clinics next month, with plans to make it an annual event.
Data indicates that October is the prime time for residents to get their influenza and coronavirus shots, ensuring they’re well-protected against the anticipated rise in respiratory illnesses this winter. The Summit County Health Department is expecting a surge in diseases, and officials encourage residents to ensure they’re covered.
There will be three drive-thru events starting next month. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1 near the Kamas Valley branch of the Summit County Library, behind Kamas City Hall. The second clinic is set for the following day at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Main Street in Coalville, near the County Courthouse. The third is the day after at Park City Mountain in the Silver King parking lot.
All vaccination clinics will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and appointments are not required. Only the flu and COVID vaccines are available during these events.
“They were very successful last year. We anticipate that will drastically increase again this year,” said Derek Moss, the nursing director at the Health Department, during a Board of Health meeting on Monday. “We want to have this as a predictable, kickoff to the season, to the flu and COVID vaccination season, where the timing is right. We know that we’re going to have the serum so we can meet demand, and it just becomes a really fast-paced, fun event where we can help a lot of people in a very short amount of time and thereby helping (ease) some of the pressure we feel here in the clinic to get these done.”
Last year, the drive-thru clinic was scheduled during fall break, and officials said there wasn’t as much participation as they would have liked. Many people were out of town or didn’t want to feel sick that weekend, so they forewent receiving the vaccine. So the date was changed for this year.
People 6 months and older are eligible to receive the shots. Most COVID and flu vaccines are covered by insurance. However, there are also some free flu shot options for adults and children who are uninsured and a cash payment option for plans that aren’t accepted.
Only kids can receive a free COVID shot, as the vaccine is now privately distributed. The COVID vaccine is estimated to cost $123 for adults without insurance, though the county is considering other options, but it’s unclear if the free vaccines will be here in time for the clinic.
The Health Department isn’t the only option for people who want the jab.
Pharmacies across Summit County are carrying the flu and COVID shots as well as the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for those who are eligible. The Health Department is carrying the Moderna brand of the COVID vaccine, but Pfizer and Novavax should be available elsewhere.
Community members who are unable to attend the drive-thru event are encouraged to set up an appointment with the Health Department to receive the vaccine. Staff are also planning to host a few out-of-office clinics throughout the fall.
The Health Department website will be updated with information about where and when to go.
Summit County Health Department epidemiologist Nancy Porter said people who were sick with COVID over the summer can wait a little bit longer to be vaccinated because they have a natural immunity built up.
However, she emphasized it’s important to get the shot before winter. Respiratory diseases start to uptick around December and peak around January or February.
“It’s really important to keep reiterating that if anybody is symptomatic, just do the responsible thing and stay home until you’re 24 hours without symptoms, without medications, and that’s the best way to keep everybody safe. If you’re a checker at a grocery store or something else, that’s one of the main reasons it can pass on in the community,” Moss said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s flu, COVID, all of these respiratory diseases, that’s a prime way they’re transmitting.”
Health Department staff are scheduled to present the information to the Summit County Council of Governments at 6:25 p.m. on Sept. 16 in Coalville.