MADISON, Wis. – As families prepare for holiday celebrations, UW Health is reminding the community that now is the ideal time to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.
In between errands, UW Health patients can get both vaccines at the John Wall Drive-Thru Clinic, located at 3819 John Wall Drive. The clinic offers a quick and convenient way to protect oneself and loved ones before Thanksgiving and other seasonal gatherings, according to Linda Yim, registered nurse and clinic manager, UW Health John Wall Drive-Thru Clinic.
“Our drive-thru clinic is designed for convenience since you don’t even need to leave your car to get these shots,” she said. “It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping your family and the wider community healthy this holiday season.”
Any patient 5 years and older can receive the vaccines while in their vehicle at the John Wall Drive-Thru Clinic. Younger patients will need to receive vaccines at a traditional clinic visit. Anyone 6 months of age or older can get the latest influenza vaccine each year, and UW Health is offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients, including children 6 months and older and pregnant people.
Getting vaccinated does not mean a person cannot catch a respiratory virus, but if they do, it helps protect against severe symptoms and lowers the risk of hospitalization or death, according to Dr. Jim Conway, medical director, UW Health immunization program, and an infectious disease physician with UW Health Kids.
“Flu and COVID-19 can lead to severe complications, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions,” he said. “Getting vaccinated now helps protect those most at risk since it usually takes about two weeks for these vaccines to become effective.”
Other routine vaccines for children and adults are available at the John Wall Drive-Thru Clinic, including respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines, which are also important this time of year, according to Conway.
“We see many adults are still behind on getting those vaccines, and it’s never too late in the season to get the protection these provide,” he said.
The drive-thru clinic is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for patients who have a UW Health provider. Appointments for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be scheduled through MyChart. No prescription is needed.
In addition to vaccinations, the clinic also offers testing for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and strep throat.
