Second mass flu-shot clinic planned next month

The Daily Inter Lake

Following on the success of Tuesday's mass flu clinic, Flathead County health officials have plans for a second clinic for the general public in November.

Boni Stout, head of community health, said the idea came up at the Wednesday debriefing session following the mass clinic the day before.

"It makes sense because we can reach a lot of the general public at one time," Stout said.

Staff and volunteers immunized 1,579 people for the flu on Tuesday.

The date for the next mass Kalispell clinic will be announced later this month.

In addition, department officials have planned the following satellite clinics for flu shots:

-Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Agers Senior Center, 121 Second St., Whitefish.

-Oct. 25, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Columbia Falls Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls.

-Nov. 1, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Lakeside Community Chapel, U.S. 93 South, Lakeside.

-Nov. 1, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork.

On these days, the staff will not offer flu shots at the health-department office in Kalispell.

Stout expects the next mass clinic in Kalispell to follow the same format as the first, using the Flathead County Fairgrounds and community volunteers.

Unlike the Tuesday event (which was limited to senior citizens or people who met strict guidelines) the next mass clinic as well as the satellite clinics will provide flu shots to anyone.

For additional information, call the health department at 751-8110.