Free Flu, COVID Booster Shots Offered During ‘Boosterama’ At Mall

WHEATON, MD — With a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County will offer free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event at Westfield Wheaton mall.

The county, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will hold the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the mall, according to a news release.

Boosterama will be held outside of Carter’s on the second floor of Westfield Wheaton. No appointment is needed.

Pediatric booster shots will not be available.

People who receive their COVID booster or a flu shot at the event will be eligible to win one of eight gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s retailers.

Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID are on the rise, the county said. While there is no vaccination for RSV, there are vaccinations available for flu and COVID. Boosterama events are part of a broader effort by the county to encourage residents to use common sense health measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations.

“The holiday season can be stressful for a variety of reasons,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a statement. “This year, give yourself the gift of health. Boosterama is a convenient way you can receive the COVID booster and flu shot, saving you time and keeping you and your family safe. It is easy and helps to ensure your holidays remain free of respiratory viruses.”

To date, nearly 37 percent of county residents aged 50 and older have received the bivalent booster shot and nearly 21 percent of all residents have received the bivalent booster shot.

If it has been at least two months since you completed your primary series of COVID shots, you are eligible for a bivalent booster.

“The health and safety of our guests and staff is priority No. 1,” said Stuart Amos, senior general manager of Westfield Wheaton, in a news release. “Boosterama is a free and convenient way to keep ourselves and community safe from the spread of respiratory viruses this holiday season. We are grateful for our partnership with Montgomery County in hosting this event.”

In addition to Boosterama, flu or COVID booster shots are widely available at locations throughout the community. Make an appointment or find other locations at GoVaxMoco.com.

The county continues to provide free N-95 masks and rapid COVID test kits at multiple locations.

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services also offers tips to keep you COVID-prepared this holiday season.

For more information about Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, visit its website.