Multiple drive-thru flu shot clinic events happening with Froedtert & MCW
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network kicked off a series of drive-thru flu shot clinics Saturday, Sept. 18, that they will be doing now through mid October in several locations. The first clinic happened at Town Hall Health Center in Menomonee Falls.
Organizers of these clinics say now is a good time to schedule a flu shot as we are in the start of flu season, especially as COVID-19 continues to impact many across the state.
"The flu shot is not going to protect people from getting covid, they would need to get the COVID-19 vaccination as well but you can actually get covid and the flu so it's really important to protect yourself against the flu this season again too," said Kim Schrank, the retail pharmacy manager for Froedtert Pharmacy.
The fast and convenient option is something many people like Linda Lapin took advantage of as soon as the drive-thru clinic opened at 8 a.m.
"I came last year and it worked well so I decided to do it again this year. I think it's better than having to wait in the clinic. It's very fast and convenient," said Lapin.
The flu shots are available for anyone over the age of six. As soon as you pull into the location, you register, fill out a consent form, wait in line and get the shot right from the comfort of your car.
"It was zero wait, I didn't have to make an appointment. Those are all the conveniences of it to me, it is just a huge thing," said Ann Davies-Dakin, who got the flu shot
For the first time this year, the drive-thru clinic is also offering the COVID-19 booster shot for immunocompromised patients. The shot they are administering is Moderna.
"If there is an immunocompromised patient that would like to get the flu shot and their covid booster today we can take care of them right now with one visit here. They would get their flu shot and then they can pull ahead and we would give them their covid booster shot as well. They can actually get both shots in the same arm, or we can do one shot in one arm and one in the other," said Schrank.
Schrank also said if an immunocompromised patient has already been vaccinated for COVID-19, they have to wait 28 days from their second shot in order to get the COVID-19 booster.
Schrank added that it is recommended if patient's got Pfizer that they get a Pfizer booster but that if they would like to get the Moderna booster they can as well. However, if a patient was immunized with Johnson & Johnson they are not recommending a booster.
Many who got the shot said they wanted to get ahead of the game and protect themselves and their loved ones.
"I have been doing it for years and years and years and so the reason is because I used to be in health services and I wanted to make sure that I was safe when I was treating other people so why not be safe for everybody," said Neill Lubeke, who got the flu shot.
"I have elderly parents so I'm always concerned about if I'm around them. Hopefully I am protecting them from any of the germs that are out there and my husband is a teacher so in that regard I kind of get hit with anything that he brings home and I don't want to be sick," said Davies-Dakin.
"A lot of patients still are nervous about going into clinics and things like that with COVID being out there and so having a flu shot clinic where they can actually do a drive thru and pull up and we can take care of them is really important to us. Patients are really happy to have this as an option to get their shot. It's just another way to make sure that we can help protect the public against the flu and in covid too," said Schrank.
To avoid getting the flu this season, health professionals recommend to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, stay away from large crowds, and most importantly get the flu shot.
Masks must be worn for the clinic. It is recommended to wear a short-sleeved shirt.
A vaccine consent form must be completed as well. Consent forms are available at the drive-thru but people are encouraged to complete them ahead of time online.
Organizers of the clinics said most insurance plans are accepted for the flu shot. People do not have to be a patient registered at Froedtert & MCW health network. More flu shot information can be found here.
Additional details on the upcoming drive-thru flu shot clinics can be found below:
-F&MCW Menomonee Falls — Town Hall Health Center - Saturday, Sept. 18 and 25, Oct. 2, 9 and 23, 8 a.m.-noon.
-F&MCW West Bend Hospital - Saturday, Oct. 9 and 23, 8 a.m.-noon
-F&MCW Moorland Reserve (New Berlin) - Saturday, Oct. 16 and 30, 8 a.m.-noon