The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Public Health (OPH) encourage all residents six months of age and older to get an annual flu shot, as well as the new COVID-19 vaccine this fall, to protect themselves and their family against influenza and COVID-19 disease. Widespread community vaccination helps prevent the spread of disease within communities.

            This year, free flu and COVID-19 shots will be offered at OPH Community Vaccination Clinics beginning on October 3. Walk-ins will be accepted based on vaccine availability, but appointments are highly encouraged. Residents can make an appointment online at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/immunizations or by calling 610-278-5145 (Norristown) or 610-970-5040 (Pottstown). 

            The community vaccination clinics are for people who live, work, or attend school in Montgomery County. Accommodation for individuals with disabilities will be available and  insurance will be billed for those who have coverage.   

            Thursday, October 3 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Flu and COVID-19) - Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 North Keim Street, Pottstown. Register at ss-montgomery-county.as.me/schedule/28f53ee1/appointment.

            Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Flu and COVID-19) - Davenport Elementary School (formerly Gotwals Elementary), 1 East Oak Street, Norristown.  Register at https://ss-montgomery-county.as.me/schedule/28f53ee1/appointment.

            Monday, October 7 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Flu and COVID-19) - Upper Perkiomen School District Education Center, 2229 East Buck Road, Pennsburg. Register ss-montgomery-county.as.me/schedule/28f53ee1/appointment/51991858/calendar/8860862?calendarIds=8860862.

            Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Flu and COVID-19) - Montgomery County Community College. 340 DeKalb Pike | College Hall 144/148/151, Blue Bell.  

Register at ss-montgomery-county.as.me/schedule/28f53ee1/appointment/51991858/calendar/8861554?calendarIds=8861554

            Thursday, October 24 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Flu and COVID-19) - Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 North Keim Street, Pottstown.  Register at ss-montgomery-county.as.me/schedule/28f53ee1/appointment/51991858/calendar/8861735?calendarIds=8861735.

            The best way to prevent the flu and COVID-19 and their potentially severe complications is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated with the flu vaccine in September or October. Residents can receive the new COVID-19 vaccine as long as it's been two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection.  

            In addition to vaccination, take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu and COVID-19: avoid close contact with people who are sick; if you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow; wash your hands?often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way; clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu and/or COVID-19; for flu, the CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use fever-reducing medicine; check for COVID-19 CDC recommendations on staying home.  

            Find information about flu & COVID-19 vaccines and other locations providing vaccination services on the Montgomery County Office of Public Health's website (montgomerycountypa.gov/513/Public-Health) or call 610-278-5145 or 610-970-5040.