Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Sets Schedule for Free County-Operated Vaccination Clinics and Urges Residents to Get Flu Vaccinations

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is joining County health officials in urging all residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated against the flu. The County will offer free flu vaccination clinics for adults and children in October and November.

While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization and death.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are available through private health providers and at retail locations throughout the community. The County-sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will include immunizations for adults and children ages six months and older. The County will offer flu shots only. A high-dose flu vaccine for those 65  and older will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I encourage everyone to get their flu shot this season,” said County Executive Elrich. “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you. A flu shot can make all the difference in preventing serious illness, especially for those at higher risk of complications, like older adults or people with underlying health conditions.” Those who should particularly consider getting the flu vaccine include older adults, health care workers, household members of infants younger than six months and individuals with chronic illnesses.

The schedule for County-operated clinics:

• Wednesday, Oct. 16. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II Rockville. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Wednesday, Oct. 23. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II Rockville. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.

Paid visitor parking is available in the Traville Gateway Garage or Shady Grove Garage. See parking map for more information. 

The clinics are a partnership between Montgomery County Health and Human Services and the University of Maryland System.

Additional flu clinics for anyone six months and older include:

Saturday, Oct. 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Global Health Community Health Fair Clifton Baptist Church 8818 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months and older.

• Sunday, Nov. 3. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Sri Lanka Community Buddhist Temple 2600 Elmont St., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Monday, Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Saturday, Nov. 9. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Saturday, Nov. 16. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.

School-age children up to 18 years of age also can visit the weekly Immunization Clinic to receive a flu vaccine. The clinic is held every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, but appointments are required. Call 240-777-1050 for an appointment.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting vaccinated each year, In addition, good health habits can help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. These habits include:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then discard the tissue. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. Alcohol hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can easily enter the body through these areas.
• Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are sick, keep your distance to prevent spreading illness to others.
• Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever, which may include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.
• If you are feeling unwell, stay home from work, school and other public places until you are healthy again.

For more information, visit the flu-area of the County’s website.

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Release ID: 24-444
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669
Categories: Health