From The Star Press
MUNCIE, Ind. — As flu season inches closer while the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Meridian Health Services will once again kick off October with its one-day Flu-Lapalooza vaccine event.
The free flu shot clinic will run 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 6, at various Meridian locations throughout Indiana, including four sites in Muncie.
During the event, the free flu shots are available to anyone age 6 months or older, and available to everyone regardless of financial status. Attendees do not need to be current patients of Meridian to receive flu shots, and appointments are not necessary for the event.
Spread across 10 cities, 14 Meridian locations will be participating in the event. In Muncie, shots will be provided at:
- MeridianMD: 205 N. Tillotson Ave.
- Meridian Health Pediatrics: 205 N. Tillotson Ave.
- Suzanne Gresham Center: 3620 W. White River Blvd.
- Meridian School Clinic – Southside Middle School: 1601 E. 26th St.
Lisa Suttle, regional vice president of clinical services for Meridian, told The Star Press that if patients have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s still safe to get a flu shot.
“The CDC states there is no wait time and (they) can be given at the same time,” Suttle said.
Each location will have prize drawings at the event, and attendees are welcome to wear Halloween costumes. Shots are available while supplies last. For a full list of locations, visit meridianhs.org/events/flu-lapalooza.
Meridian revamps COVID-19 testing and vaccines
As healthcare providers at Meridian prepare for flu season, they’ve also seen an increased need for COVID-19 testing and vaccines in recent weeks.
To meet the demand, Suttle said, drive-thru testing and vaccine services have resumed at Suzanne Gresham Center in the past three weeks, with services available 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesdays.
“At this time, we have provided close to 500 tests, and we’re providing more each week,” Suttle said. “(COVID-19) vaccines are available and we are seeing an increase in people wanting the vaccine.”
The Suzanne Gresham Center offers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, and appointments are not necessary for the drive-thru service.
For those who cannot attend the drive-thru events, Meridian also offers in-office COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Muncie, Anderson and Dunkirk locations. Appointments are required at these locations, and can be made at meridianhs.org/covid-19.
Charlotte Stefanski is a reporter at The Star Press. Contact her at 765-283-5543, cstefanski@muncie.gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CharStefanski.
