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The Auglaize County Health Department is preparing for the upcoming flu season with its annual drive-thru flu clinic while also encouraging residents to take steps now to reduce the spread of influenza throughout the community.

Community Outreach Coordinator Alecia Hume and Director of Nursing Jessica Whetstone joined WCSM's Spectrum to discuss this year's clinic, the 2026-27 influenza vaccine, common misconceptions surrounding flu shots and other ways families can protect themselves during the upcoming season.

The drive-thru clinic will be held Wednesday, October 7th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.

Residents are asked to enter through the Dearbaugh Avenue entrance before following signs through the fairgrounds and eventually exiting through the main entrance.

Hume said the entire process is designed to be simple and convenient. After entering the fairgrounds, residents will first meet with a greeter. Those who have not already completed a registration form will be able to do so at that time before continuing through registration and screening and eventually reaching the nursing station for vaccination.

The entire process generally takes approximately 20 minutes, and residents do not have to leave their vehicle.

Hume said the drive-thru format can be particularly helpful for residents with mobility concerns and others who may have difficulty attending a more traditional vaccination clinic.

Registration forms can be completed before the event at auglaizehealth.org or completed at the fairgrounds on the day of the clinic.

Residents should bring their insurance card, Medicare Part B card or Medicaid card along with their completed registration form if they filled one out ahead of time.

Whetstone said most major insurance plans typically cover the influenza vaccine. Cash prices will also be available on the day of the clinic for residents whose vaccine is not covered by insurance.

THE 2026-27 FLU VACCINE

Whetstone explained that the influenza vaccine is updated annually based on which strains health experts expect to circulate during the upcoming season.

The 2026-27 vaccine remains trivalent, meaning it is designed to protect against three different influenza strains — two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.

Health officials study influenza activity from previous seasons along with activity occurring in other areas that experience their flu seasons earlier in an effort to determine which strains should be targeted.

Whetstone said September and October are generally recommended times to receive the vaccine.

While residents can still receive a flu shot later in the season, it takes approximately two weeks following vaccination for the body to develop full protection.

CLEARING UP FLU SHOT MISCONCEPTIONS

One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding influenza vaccination is the belief that the flu shot itself can cause someone to contract influenza.

Whetstone said the influenza vaccine is not a live-virus vaccine and cannot cause the flu.

Some people may experience mild symptoms as their immune system responds to vaccination. It is also possible for someone to be exposed to influenza during the approximately two-week period before the vaccine reaches full effectiveness.

Another common point of confusion is the difference between influenza and what is often called the “stomach flu.”

Influenza is primarily a respiratory illness and can cause congestion, sore throat, coughing and a runny nose.

The so-called stomach flu is generally a gastrointestinal illness that can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Whetstone said vaccination can also provide benefits even if someone later contracts influenza, including potentially reducing the severity of illness.

Health officials are particularly concerned about influenza among older residents and other vulnerable populations.

Whetstone said residents age 65 and older may receive a high-dose influenza vaccine containing four times the antigen found in the standard vaccine to help provide additional protection for that age group.

LOCAL FLU NUMBERS

Auglaize County recorded 44 influenza-related hospitalizations during the previous flu season between October and May.

The Health Department monitors influenza hospitalizations locally, although officials emphasized that flu seasons can vary greatly from year to year.

Whetstone said influenza remains highly contagious and can spread easily, particularly among vulnerable populations.

PREVENTION BEYOND VACCINATION

Health officials said vaccination is an important tool, but several everyday habits can also reduce the spread of influenza.

Residents are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including between the fingers, around the thumbs and underneath fingernails.

People should also cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands and regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces including doorknobs and tables.

Whetstone said influenza viruses can remain on hard surfaces for approximately 24 to 48 hours.

Health officials also stressed something that sounds simple but can make a major difference: stay home when you are sick whenever possible.

Going to work, school or other public places while sick can expose others and allow influenza to spread more quickly through workplaces, schools and families.

LOOKING TOWARD THE HOLIDAYS

Getting vaccinated early in the fall can also provide protection before Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday gatherings.

Those gatherings can bring multiple generations of families together, including young children and older adults who may be more vulnerable to complications from influenza.

Residents who are uncertain whether an influenza vaccine is appropriate for themselves or a family member are encouraged to speak with a medical professional.

Whetstone, who serves as the Auglaize County Health Department's immunization coordinator, said residents may contact the Health Department with questions. She also encourages people to speak with their family doctor, particularly when they have questions related to their individual medical history.

The Auglaize County Health Department's drive-thru flu clinic will be held Wednesday, October 7th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.

Residents should use the Dearbaugh Avenue entrance.

Registration forms and additional information are available at auglaizehealth.org.

Residents may also contact the Auglaize County Health Department at 419-738-3410.