VIDEO TRANSCRIPT – Onondaga County prepares for flu season
Victoria Daly: Thanks, Jude. And now that we’re officially into October and the weather is changing, we’re in flu season. The Onondaga County Health Department is working to make getting vaccinated as easy as any other part of your day. Earlier today, they hosted a free drive-thru flu shot clinic.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was the first time the Onondaga County Health Department offered free vaccines to the public; traditionally these clinics have only been for first responders. The event took place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium and allowed residents to get vaccinated without stepping out of their cars.
The sign-up process for this event was simple enough. Be 18 years of age or older, register on the link provided on the department of health website, select a visit time, answer screening questions and put in your information and than you were good to go!”
A total of 240 doses were available at the clinic, with first responders receiving their vaccines first.
Health officials have been putting emphasis on reminding the public to know how important it is to get vaccinated now in early October.
According to data from nygov. flu cases have only raised this year compared to previous years, sending more and more individuals to the hospital. But if we just zone in on Onondaga County residents, about 8 percent of its population have already vaccinated against the flu. That’s about 37,000 individuals.
If you want to add to this statistic, but couldn’t make it to this event, there are numerous other locations around the county offering flu vaccines. CVS and Wegmans pharmacies and Kinney Drugs all offer vaccines, either walk-in or appointment-based, and most insurance plans will cover these flu shots at no cost.
And if you’re a Syracuse University student who wants to get vaccinated, you don’t have to go far. The Barnes Center at the Arch offers free vaccines to students. For NCC News, I’m Victoria Daly.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Flu Season has hit Onondaga County as health officials worked to help citizens get vaccinated. On Oct. 6, the Onondaga County Health Department hosted a free, drive-thru flu shot clinic for the public. Individuals signed up online, booked their appointment, and arrived during their allotted time slots for their vaccination without having to step out of their vehicles. The event was held at NBT Bank Stadium.
This was the third time a pop-up flu clinic happened since the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the previous events only served first responders. First responders were still given priority at this event, as their vaccines were administered first, and then the remaining doses went to the public.
Yet, this event wasn’t just for the community; it allowed the health department to practice emergency procedures and protocols. Health workers participated in training exercises during the clinic setup and learned public health emergency responses.
In Onondaga County, flu cases are higher this year than in previous years.
The Health Department and pharmacies in the area believe October is the best time to get vaccinated, as it gives the body enough time to build protection against the virus before winter.
In Syracuse, residents can either walk in or schedule an appointment at pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens and Wegmans. According to these pharmacies’ websites, most insurances will cover the cost of these vaccines as well.
For more information about the flu in Onondaga County, visit the health department’s Flu & Pneumonia – Health page.