The Wellness Coalition is hosting community COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics in Montgomery, Tuskegee, and Pike Road during the month of December. The clinics will provide free vaccines for eligible River Region residents in partnership with a variety of community organizations.
“Flu cases are up across the country this year, and Alabama has one of the highest levels of influenza outbreak,” said Na’Sha DeRamus, COVID/Flu program coordinator for The Wellness Coalition. “It’s especially important that people get vaccinated against the flu to reduce the chance that they will end up in the hospital with serious illness.”
All upcoming clinics are open to the public. No appointment or health insurance is necessary. iKARE Pharmacy will provide COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 12 years and older, and flu vaccines for anyone 9 years and older.
“As we head into the holidays, we want people to be able to enjoy their time with loved ones and not worry about getting sick,” said DeRamus, “Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from the flu and COVID-19.”
Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
Flu: What’s New for 2022-2023
- For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
- The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season. For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated.
- Vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most adults but can be considered for some groups. While ideally it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination after October can still provide protection
- during the peak of flu season.
- The age indication for the cell culture-based inactivated flu vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), changed from 2 years and older to 6 months and older. Pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots for children are not expected to be available this season. However, children can receive this vaccine from a multidose vial at the recommended dose.
- Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with few exceptions as has been the case since 2010. New this season, however, is a preferential recommendation for the use of higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines in people 65 and older over standard dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines.
Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration
- You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing coincides.
- Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can
Partner With Us
The Wellness Coalition is partnering with organizations to provide flu and COVID-19 vaccination information to communities in Macon, Montgomery, and Lowndes counties. Reaching these communities can help reduce uncertainty and debunk myths about the flu vaccine that have been circulated. Call (334) 293-6502 to learn ways you can participate at upcoming events or as part of other outreach efforts.