Kingsford — The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department announces plans to conduct drive-thru community influenza immunization clinics.

The first will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the parking lot of Forest Park School in Crystal Falls.

The second will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Kingsford Middle School/High School parking lot.

To help with parking congestion, they ask individuals attending the clinic to come according to the first letter of your last name: A-C, 9 to 10 a.m.; D-H, 10 to 11 a.m.; I-M, 11 a.m. to noon; N-S, noon to 1 p.m.; T-Z, 1 to 2 p.m. These are only suggested times. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle and wear a facemask.

“Because of social distancing measures as well as the safety and preservation of DIDHD staff, we have had to make some adjustments to how we will provide influenza vaccines to the community this year. DIDHD will not be offering regular walk-in flu clinics this year, so we urge individuals to attend one of the drive-thru clinics. Flu vaccinations will be available at the drive-thru to those people 6 months of age and older at the discretion of their parents and DIDHD staff,” according to a spokesperson.

These immunizations are billable to Medicare Part B, Michigan Medicaid and most private health insurance companies. Please bring a copy of your insurance card. For self-pay individuals, checks or exact change is accepted. The standard flu vaccine is $35. The high dose, available to those 65 years of age and older, is $70.

Health officials believe it is important to receive the seasonal flu vaccine, especially this year with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Flu is a contagious disease spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions.

Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions — such as heart, lung or kidney disease or a weakened immune system — are at higher risk for complication from the flu virus. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse.

Each year thousands of people die from seasonal flu and even more require hospitalization. A flu vaccine a great tool to decrease the chance hospitalization due to influenza. Their goal is increase influenza vaccination, decrease flu related hospitalizations, and spare the local hospital systems from overcrowding or overwhelm. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine.

The DIDHD also encourages new parents, health care professionals, and those who have contact with people age 65 and older to get vaccinated to help protect these high-risk individuals.

If you or your family is unable to attend the community drive-thru clinic, please call the department to schedule a flu vaccine. For more information go to t www.cdc.gov or contact the Health Department at 906-774-1868 or 906-265-9913.