(LAGRANGE) – A free drive up clinic will offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this Friday.

The clinic is being hosted by Parkview LaGrange Hospital in collaboration with Topeka Pharmacy and Super Shot. The clinic is open to residents of LaGrange County and surrounding counties.

Parkview LaGrange President Jordi Disler says they are pleased to be able to offer this event in conjunction with these excellent community partners. Disler says they hope many area residents will take advantage of the convenience of obtaining both of these important vaccinations at one event. This year’s flu season is predicted to be serious, and Disler says they don’t want anyone to miss out on being protected.

Although not as deadly as COVID-19, the flu nevertheless weakens and kills Hoosiers each year. According to Indiana Department of Health figures, 783 people died of flu between the 2015-16 season and last year. The flu season of 2018-19 was particularly bad with 336 deaths. Fortunately, last year, flu deaths were very few, likely due to COVID mitigation measures such as social distancing, masking, using hand sanitizer, and staying home when ill.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months or older get a flu vaccine annually. After a flu shot, it takes the body about two weeks to produce enough antibodies for a person to gain full immunity.

At this Friday's drive-up event, Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines will be provided. Pfizer boosters will be available for those who qualify. For individuals who have not yet completed a two-dose series, first or second doses will be available. Children ages 12 to 18 may receive the Pfizer vaccine, currently the only vaccine authorized for this age group. Children are not eligible for a third, booster shot at this time.

The clinic will be from 10 AM until 6 PM in the north parking lot of the Parkview LaGrange Hospital campus. The hospital is located on Townline Road, just north of U.S. 20 in LaGrange.