Senior and community centers to host drive-thru flu shot clinics in Carroll County

Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun
·2 min read

As October begins, so does flu season. So, drive-thru immunization clinics are opening this week for Carroll County residents.

According to the Carroll County Health Department, last year’s flu season was milder due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions most residents took, such as wearing masks in public.

It’s difficult to predict what this year’s flu season will be like, said Maggie Kunz, health planner with the Carroll County Health Department, but with fewer people wearing masks and more people going out in public, the flu could spread more easily this year.

Kunz said the health department recommends receiving a flu shot this month in order to be immunized before the flu season ramps up in January and February.

The Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities, the Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County’s Healthy Aging Leadership Team and Finksburg Pharmacy are partnering to offer drive-thru flu shot clinics at all five senior and community centers in the county.

COVID-19 booster shots will also be available upon request to people 12 years and older, according to a news release.

Anyone over the age of 9 can get a flu shot at the following locations:


  • Wednesday, 9 a.m.-noon: South Carroll Senior & Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg

  • Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon: North Carroll Senior & Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead

  • Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Taneytown Senior & Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown

  • Friday, 9 a.m.-noon: Westminster Senior & Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster

When arriving at one of the locations, follow signs and staff instructions. Participants are asked to bring their Medicare or insurance cards. Medicare Part B will be accepted. Those with a Medicare Advantage Plan must provide a Part D insurance card for possible coverage, according to a news release. BlueCross CareFirst Medical billing will be accepted along with private insurance used for prescription plans.

Those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the shot will be asked to pay $25 via cash or check for the regular quad influenza vaccine, and $75 for the high-dose quad influenza shot.





This year, both the regular quad and high-dose quad influenza vaccine will be provided. Those who are vaccinated will be asked to stay 15 minutes afterward to be monitored for possible allergic reactions. Those between the ages of 9 and 17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

For more information on the flu and immunization, go to https://cchd.maryland.gov/flu or https://cchd.maryland.gov/finding-a-flu-vaccination.