Annual flu shot clinic closes four hours early

  • Fannin County Health Department held its annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Thursday, September 24, which saw a large turn out. Shown getting a vaccine is Scott Macneill and administering the shot is county Nurse Manager Hollye Petty.
    Fannin County Health Department held its annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Thursday, September 24, which saw a large turn out. Shown getting a vaccine is Scott Macneill and administering the shot is county Nurse Manager Hollye Petty.
  • The rain couldn’t stop the parade that was a seemingless endless line of cars filled with drivers and passengers waiting to get a flu vaccine during the Fannin County Health Department’s annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic.
    The rain couldn’t stop the parade that was a seemingless endless line of cars filled with drivers and passengers waiting to get a flu vaccine during the Fannin County Health Department’s annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic.

    In under three hours, Fannin County Health Department ran out of flu vaccines during their annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Friday, September 24.

    “We are very glad that residents are realizing the importance of being vaccinated against the flu this year considering that COVID-19 is still circulating,” Public Information Officer Jennifer King said.

    The event was held at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market, and 125 individuals received a vaccine during the clinic.

    Despite the clinic being scheduled for 9 a.m. that day, folks were lined up and waiting an hour ahead of time. The clinic was scheduled to end at 3 p.m.

    People seemed more willing and ready than ever to get the vaccine, King said.

    Although another drive-thru clinic may not happen, King said, “Residents may come to the health department at anytime for curbside service to be vaccinated. ... people will be able to remain in their vehicles for a flu shot.”

    The flu, short for influenza, is a viral infection in the respiratory passages that can be deadly for some individuals and is highly contagious.

    The clinic provided two vaccines, a regular vaccine and a high dosage vaccine for those 65 and older. 

    Both vaccines guard against four different strains of the infection.

    Fannin County Health Department is located at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge. Those wishing to schedule a time to receive the vaccine can call the the department at 706-632-3023.