Lorain County Public Health holding free flu shot clinics

Hundreds residents gathered Nov. 2 at the Oberlin Fire Department, 430 S. Main St., to receive a free flu shot.

The shots were distributed by six nurses from Lorain County Public Health and the cost was covered through CARES Act funding and Lorain County commissioners, said Erin Murphy, program manager of Lorain County Public Health.

“Every year, we offer flu shot clinics throughout the county,” Murphy said.

A similar event took place at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington.

Murphy said 295 shots were given at the fairgrounds and 285 shots in Oberlin.

The idea of the flu shot clinic at the fire station came from wanting to test how the clinic would work when the novel coronavirus vaccine becomes available, Murphy said.

“The fire department had the ability to hold the drivethru clinic and is one of our established partners,” she said. “It was meant to see how this would work out when we have a COVID vaccination, and it went great.”

Murphy said it’s important to get a flu shot.

“If we experience a COVID-19 surge, first responders and health care professionals need to have resources,” she said. “We want to prevent flu hospitalizations so we can treat those with COVID-19.”

Murphy said flu shots can be obtained at future clinics or appointments can be made for in-office visits by calling 440-283-3206.

“If people can’t come to our flu clinics or don’t want to come in office, I encourage them to seek out a vaccination from a local pharmacy or doctor,” Murphy said. “It’s important.”

Sandy Humphrey drove to the Oberlin fire station to get a flu shot.

“I didn’t want to go into the office,” said Humphrey, 65. “It’s a great idea; I felt safe.”

LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Sandy Humphrey, 65, receives a flu shot from registered nurse Kim Stutt during a Nov. 2 pop-up flu shot clinic.