ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Health Department will be offering another free flu clinic next week.
Vaccinations will be available to residents 19 years old and older Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 1-5 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Health Department at 127 Caroline Street.
Those participating in the drive-thru clinic are asked to use the Franklin Street entrance.
“The Richmond County Health Department highly encourages everyone to receive a flu vaccine this year as we are facing the COVID pandemic,” Health and Human Services Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell said in a press release.
Jarrell added in an email that the goal of this clinic is to assist those who are uninsured. However, he added that no one will be turned away.
A previous flu clinic was held on Nov. 17.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccinations for everyone older than 6 months.
DHHS reports there has been one flu-related death this season, which was in October. That individual was 65 years old or older.
There were 186 flu-related deaths in the state last season among the more than 12,000 who tested positive, according to a report.
The Health Department is also offering free COVID testing in the lot behind the building until Dec. 31. Testing will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
There will also be free testing at the following locations:
- Cole Auditorium parking lot – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7-11
- Ellerbe Middle School parking lot – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14-18
Each site is closed for lunch from noon-12:30 p.m.
Register for testing by visiting www.lhi.care and following the directions at the top or by calling 877-562-4850.
