by Geoff Fox
The Washington County Health Department is following up its recent flu clinics at local public schools with COVID-19 vaccination clinics at middle schools in the county.
Hancock Middle-Senior High School was originally supposed to host a clinic on November 17, but it was rescheduled for this Thursday, December 8.
The clinic will be held from 4 to 6 p.m.
Washington County Public School staff, parents, and students ages five and older are encouraged to register for their COVID-19 initial series of vaccines or boosters.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for the school clinics, although walk-ins are welcome.
Registration is available online at https://washco-health.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/wchd-covid-19-vaccine-clinics/
Anyone in need of assistance with registering should call 240-313-3456, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
A parent or guardian must be present for vaccination appointments for minors.
All vaccine products will be available for eligible attendees.
“People might want COVID-19 to go away, but it’s still here and hundreds of people are dying from it every day around the country,” said Dr. Diana Gaviria, deputy health officer and medical director for the Washington County Health Department.
“There is also concern for a potentially more severe flu season this year than the previous one, so the most important message is that everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination and a flu shot should get them to lower their chances of severe sickness and potentially hospitalization from these viruses,” said Gaviria.