Chesco Health Department Offers Flu And COVID-19 Vaccines

WEST CHESTER, PA — With the start of flu season quickly approaching, the Chester County Health Department announces vaccination clinics, open to all, at area schools from late September through October.

The Health Department will offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines at community vaccine clinics. Appointments are required for all clinics.

Flu and COVID-19 viruses have many similar symptoms, including cough, chills, fever, body aches, fatigue, and runny or stuffy nose. With so many shared symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two.

Becoming sick with either of these viruses can make people more vulnerable to contracting another virus, increasing their risk for serious illness.

“People with the flu or COVID-19 not only can get very ill themselves, and but they have a high chance of infecting those around them, jeopardizing the health of others," said Jeanne Franklin, director of the Chester County Health Department.

A flu vaccine is available for anyone six months and older. Everyone aged six months and older is recommended to receive a flu vaccine every year.

COVID-19 vaccine will also be available for individuals aged six months and older.

Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 or needs a recommended booster dose can safely receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to announce eligibility for a new version of the COVID-19 vaccine which will be available in mid-September. Check chesco.org/flu for an announcement once they are available.

Flu and/or COVID-19 vaccinations are being hosted at area schools and require an appointment. People with health insurance will not be charged a copay but should bring their insurance card for billing. People without insurance will not be charged any out-of-pocket costs.

The following are the dates and times of community vaccine clinics:

• September 28: 3 to 6:45 a.m. Great Valley Middle School, 225 N Phoenixville Pike, Malvern
• October 5: 6 to 6:45 p.m. at Kennett Middle School,195 Sunny Dell Road, Landenberg
• October 12: 3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Unionville High School, 740 Unionville Road, Kennett Square
• October 19: 3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Owen J. Roberts Middle School, 881 Ridge Road, Pottstown
• October 21: 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Fugett Middle School,500 Ellis Lane, West Chester
• October 26: 3 to 6:45 p.m. at Avon Grove High School, 10 Waltman Way, West Grove.

Appointments are available at www.chesco.org/flu or 610-344-6225.