October 21, 2020

County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get a Flu Shot; Online Appointment System Available for County-operated Free Clinics


Montgomery County health officials are urging all residents to get a flu vaccination, with three upcoming County-operated clinics providing shots this fall. One of the clinics will be for residents 14-and-over and the other two specifically for children ages 6 months to 18.

While getting a flu vaccination does not protect against COVID-19, flu shots have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccination also can save health care resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

In addition to the County-operated clinics, flu vaccinations are available through private health providers, as well as at retail locations throughout the community.

The County-sponsored clinics will include one drive-through clinic. The County will offer flu shots only. High-dose flu vaccine and FluMist will not be available.

Appointments for the County-operated clinic for residents 14-and-over can be made on the County’s flu website or by calling 311. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ups will be accepted based on availability of vaccine. Appointments for the children-only clinics can be made on the Maryland Vax website. There will be no walk-ups for these clinics. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The schedule for County-operated clinics:
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28. 2-6 p.m. For ages 14-and-over. Universities at Shady Grove Parking Garage, 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville. This will be a drive-through clinic. Masks are required and social distancing will be in place.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For children only—ages 6 months to 18 years-old-old. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Clinic will be indoors.
  • Saturday, Nov. 21 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For children only—ages 6 months to 18 years-old-old. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Clinic will be indoors.
Anyone hoping to avoid getting the flu should receive the seasonal flu vaccination, particularly the elderly, those living with children younger than six months of age, health care workers and individuals with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.

More information on how to prevent getting or spreading the flu is available on the County’s flu website.