County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get a Flu Shot; Vaccination Clinic Dates Announced

Montgomery County health officials are urging residents to get a flu vaccination and will hold clinics for adults and children in October and November. 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.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are available through private health providers, as well as at retail locations throughout the community. County-sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will include clinics for residents 14-and-over and two clinics specifically for children ages six months to 18 years of age. The County will offer flu shots only. High-dose flu vaccine and FluMist will not be available.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Anyone not wanting to get the flu should receive the seasonal flu vaccination, particularly the elderly, household members living with children younger than six months of age, health care workers and individuals with chronic illnesses.

County-sponsored clinics providing flu vaccinations can be found at:

• Friday, Oct. 15. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville. Make an appointment.
• Friday, Oct. 22. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville. Make an appointment.

Paid visitor parking is available in the Traville Gateway Garage or Shady Grove Garage. See parking map for more information. The clinic is a partnership between Montgomery County Health and Human Services and the University of Maryland System.

Two flu clinics are available for children six months and older only. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Additional flu clinics for children will be announced later.

• Saturday, Nov. 6. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment.
• Saturday, Nov. 13. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can often help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. Good health habits include:

• Always cover cough or sneeze with a tissue—then throw the tissue away or cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Alcohol hand sanitizer (minimum 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. These are places germs can enter the body easily.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever which include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, or other public places until you are feeling well.

See the County’s flu website for more information.