OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - Getting a flu shot is more important than ever with COVID-19.
COVID-19 mimics the same symptoms as the flu, so doctors warn getting a flu shot is necessary so you won't think you have coronavirus when it could just be the flu.
Methodist Physicians Clinic is offering drive-thru flu shots at five locations throughout the metro area. Cars were lined up for the fast, convenient and safe influenza shot.
"We are encouraging everyone to call ahead to make an appointment. It helps us to be better prepared, make sure we have enough supplies. We can space people out to decrease the time they have to wait. We have all their information so when they show up we just get their name, give them their flu shot and they can just drive thru," said Kemla Prathan, RN, Methodist Physicians Clinic.
As COVID-19 mimics a lot of the same symptoms as the flu, getting a shot will lessen your risk of getting the flu. If you do get it, the symptoms will be less severe and can ease your fears of thinking you have COVID-19.
"This is going to lead to a lessened need of outpatient doctor visits, hospitalizations and even serious consequences and death for the patient. Get your flu shot so that we can deal with coronavirus and deal with one large respiratory virus this season. It allows us to concentrate our resources on coronavirus," said Dr. Shana Peper, Methodist Physicians Clinic.
It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to build up immunity in your system, so the earlier you get the flu shot, the better.
"I need it to stay healthy. I have always gotten it, I have never gotten sick. Especially with COVID, I think it is imperative," said patient Karen Krall-Murphy.
The process takes just a few minutes. If you don't want to stay in your car, you can come inside or walk up to be serviced.
The drive-thru flu shots will take place September and October in Omaha, Fremont and Council Bluffs.
Drive-thru flu shot information
Methodist Physicians Clinic HealthWest
16120 West Dodge Frontage Road
Omaha, NE 68118
(402) 354-0500
Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24
8 a.m. to noon
Methodist Physicians Clinic Indian Hills
8901 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 354-8600 or (402) 354-8990
Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Oct. 6, Oct. 8, Oct. 20 and Oct. 22
5 to 7 p.m.
Methodist Physicians Clinic Risen Son
1001 Risen Son Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 256-8600
Sept. 16 and Oct. 14
5 to 7 p.m.
Oct. 24
9 to 11 a.m.
Methodist Jennie Edmundson Medical Plaza
808 E. Pierce St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 396-4340
Sept. 30 and Oct. 28
5 to 7 p.m.
Sept. 26
9 to 11 a.m.
Methodist Physicians Clinic
2540 North Healthy Way
Fremont, NE 68025
(402) 815-7461
Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24
8 a.m. to noon
CHI Health will also be offering drive-thru flu shots in the near future:
LOCATION
| DATE(S) | TIMEFRAME | |
| Valley View | October 10 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| Bellevue | October 17, 24 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| West Broadway | October 24 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| La Vista | October 17 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| Millard | October 24 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| University Campus | October 17 | 9 a.m. – Noon |
| 42nd & L | October 9, 16, 23, 30 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Baker's Pharmacies will also be hosting drive-thru flu shot clinics:
Omaha:
- Date: September 19, 2020
- Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Location: Ralston Arena - 7300 Q St, Omaha, NE 68127
- Access: Enter from P Street entrance to access the clinic
