PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare will offer a weekend drive-through clinic for flu vaccines beginning this Sunday.
It will be in the parking lot on Seventh and Cleveland streets in Port Townsend behind Manresa Castle, 651 Cleveland St., and it will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and some Saturdays through Nov. 21, according to a press release.
Only the flu vaccine will be offered. No COVID-19 inoculations will be available at the drive-through due to the more intensive staffing needed to administer those vaccines, said Amy Yaley, hospital spokesperson.
Appointments are required for the flu shots. They can be made by calling the following Jefferson Healthcare primary care offices:
• The Sheridan Clinic at 360-379-8031.
• The Watership Clinic at 360-385-3500.
• Townsend Clinic at 360-385-5388.
• Port Ludlow Clinic at 360-437-5067.
• South County Clinic at 360-385-3991.
Port Ludlow residents can call the Jefferson Healthcare clinic there at 360-437-5067 to schedule an appointment at the Port Townsend drive-through or with the clinic.
Flu vaccines also are available at Port Ludlow Pharmacy each Monday through Friday; for appointments, call 360-379-2254, Yaley said.
Attendees are asked to bring their insurance or Medicare cards.
Although appointments can be made by calling the various clinics, the drive-through clinic will only be at the Port Townsend location.
The clinic will operate this Sunday as well as following Sundays on Oct. 17, Oct. 24; Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31; Saturday, Nov. 6, and Sunday, Nov. 7; Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14; Saturday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Nov. 21.
Flu vaccination is an important piece of each resident’s health plans during the fall and winter seasons when risk of contracting influenza is at its highest, Yaley said in the press release.
“Every year, the flu season brings with it not just more respiratory illness that includes fevers, coughs and sore throats but also a number of hospitalizations and flu-related deaths,” she said.
“Because Jefferson Healthcare and other healthcare systems across the state are struggling with continued staffing shortages, there is concern that a wave of influenza infections will overwhelm strained local hospitals and clinics,” she continued.
“By vaccinating families on time, we build a community of immunity around vulnerable populations like babies and seniors.”
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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5, or at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com.
