By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
Hundreds of people rolled through the Escambia County stockyard last year to roll up their sleeves for a free flu shot.
This year, the county health department is planning similar mobile clinics in Brewton and Atmore. The drive-through flu shot clinics are designed to give health officials training in case mass vaccinations are needed for a dangerous flu outbreak.
Elliott said he hopes that this year's version of the vaccine will be better than last year's.
The clinics will be held beginning Oct. 28 in Atmore at Tom Byrne Park and Oct. 31 at the stockyard in Brewton.
Health officials recommend that everyone get flu shots, but especially those in risk groups.
Immunizations at Brewton Medical Center are available now, and each doctor will have time set aside for the shots to speed the process.
Victor Hunt, Brewton Medical Center administrator said the doctors are trying to make it easier to get the vaccination. “There is no shortage of the vaccine this year,” Hunt said. “Patients can still get vaccinated at their doctor's office, if that is what they want.”
Walgreen's pharmacy is also offering flu vaccinations to their customers making it convenient to drop by the store for a shot. Other pharmacies in the area either won't have them or do not know yet.