A unique partnership has developed between two Audrain County health providers as the Audrain County Health Department (ACHD) and the Arthur Center team up to provide residents with a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic.

“With COVID-19 cases continuing to climb, it is critical that individuals get vaccinated for the flu,” ACHD administrator/CEO Craig Brace said. “The flu is not going away anytime soon either and we want every opportunity we can afford to try and tamp down its impact on our residents as they deal with COVID-19 as well.”

The drive-thru clinic will be held this Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Arthur Center in Mexico and then the following Friday, Dec. 18 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Daniel’s Park in Vandalia.

Clinics are free and open to anyone age 19 and above. Those wanting the free vaccine will remain in their cars as they drive through and stop at a station where nurses from the ACHD and Arthur Center will administer the free dose. No insurance information will be needed for the flu vaccine from county residents as the vaccine will be provided by ACHD free of charge.

Arthur Center CEO Terry Mackey says this is a perfect way two health care entities can work together in the same community.

“When offered the chance to partner with ACHD, my only question was ‘What can we do to help?’” Mackey said. “Both the ACHD and The Arthur Center are striving for the same goal and that is to provide top of the line health care in the easiest accessible form possible to our residents. These flu clinics help satisfy that goal.”

The clinics will provide a standard dose, seasonal flu vaccination only. The high dose for those 65-years and older will not be available at these clinics. Those needing the high dose flu vaccine may visit the ACHD office.

The public is asked to wear masks while interacting with public safety workers.

For more information on the flu shot clinics, contact the ACHD at 573-581-1332.