Dartmouth Makes It Easy to Get Flu Shots

One of the more controversial topics here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is Governor Charlie Baker's mandate that all students older than six months old will be required to get a flu shot before December 31, 2020, in order to attend public school.

When it comes to elementary school children already receiving the flu shot, Massachusetts leads the nation. A whopping 81 percent are already on board, but the governor is looking to increase that number to as close to 100 percent as possible. According to Boston.com, the governor is following the advice of health care providers who say that it would be very difficult to deal with a surge in flu cases while simultaneously fighting a potential second wave of COVID-19.

Whether you agree with the mandate or not, one would imagine that there will be quite a demand for the flu shot as the end of the year approaches, therefore officials are urging people to get their shots sooner than later. In previous years, even prior to COVID-19, health care providers have advised people to get their flu shots prior to Halloween.

As a result, the Dartmouth Board of Health has decided to set up two drive-thru flu clinics with Walgreens in order to get as many people vaccinated for the flu season. The first will happen this weekend at Dartmouth High School from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The second will happen next weekend at Bishop Stang from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 25.

There will be no charge for the flu shot, regardless of whether or not you have health insurance.