IDAHO FALLS – Mountain View Hospital and its doctors are making it easy for you to get your flu shot this year. You do not even need to leave your car. The hospital is hosting 12 drive thru influenza vaccination clinics between now and the end of October.
“It is always a good idea to receive the annual flu vaccination and, with rare exception, all of us are eligible,” said Dr. Bryan Hammar with Community Care in Rigby. “This year, however, may be the most important year in our lifetimes to receive the flu vaccine as we wage war with an unseen enemy – COVID 19. Those who receive the vaccine will have a better chance of staying healthy, which will free up valuable resources and personnel to better fight the battle with the novel coronavirus.”
The drive thru flu clinics are open to anyone who wants to get the influenza vaccination. No appointments are necessary. Patients simply need to bring a photo ID and their health insurance card. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of getting a flu shot. Idahoans who do not have health insurance can pay $20 for the vaccine.
Doctors recommend anyone older than six months of age get a flu vaccine.
Mountain View Hospital is offering drive thru flu clinics for the following dates and locations:
Community Care Rigby
167 E 1st Street, Rigby
September 16 | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
October 3 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Blackfoot Medical Center
1441 Parkway Drive, Backfoot
September 19 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
October 13 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Community Care Channing
2725 Channing Way, Idaho Falls
September 22 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Physicians Immediate Care Center
495 Yellowstone Avenue, Pocatello
September 24 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shelley Family Medical Center
210 S Emerson Avenue, Shelley
September 25 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Care Rexburg
404 N 2nd E, Rexburg
September 29 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
October 16 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Care Pocatello
1595 Yellowstone Avenue, Pocatello
October 6 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dr. Brad Erikson Family Medicine
2330 Coronado Street, Idaho Falls
October 7 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Community Care Westside
765 S Utah Avenue, Idaho Falls
October 22 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each year, the flu hospitalizes tens of thousands of people and sidelines many more. Getting a flu shot can help prevent patients from getting sick and reduce the severity of the flu if they do get it. Americans are encouraged to get their flu shots before the end of October. This gives times for the antibodies in the vaccine to build and provide full protection before the peak of flu season.
Patients with questions about the upcoming drive thru flu clinics should call Mountain View Hospital’s Population Health team at 208- 542-7307.