Health Officials Urge Residents to Receive Flu Shots

Local health officials are urging residents to receive their flu shots sooner rather than later as flu season draws closer.

Lisa Bumbalough is the Director of the Putnam County Health Department.

“It does take about two weeks to get protected after you do get the vaccine,” Bumbalough said, “so we want everyone who hasn’t had their shot to go ahead, be proactive, and get that now.”

Bumbalough said receiving a flu vaccination is important because it can effect just about anyone at any given moment.

“It’s very important. We know that anyone, even healthy people, can get the flu, and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age,” Bumbalough said. “We know that vaccination is the best protection against the flu, and we recommend that everyone six months of age or older get a vaccine every year.”

Bumbalough said with flu season right around the corner, the health department focuses on potentially high-risk patients such as the elderly and pregnant women, and young children.

“You want to be sure that those folks get out there and get their flu shots as well,” Bumbalough said. “Fortunately, in Putnam County we have so many opportunities to get the flu shot. You can get it at physicians offices, you can get it at pharmacies, and of course here at the health department, we offer flu shots daily on a walk-in basis.”

Bumbalough said having drive-thru vaccination clinics help make access to shots easier for those who are unable to wait for an appointment.

“We’ve offered those for several years and we get a lot of requests for more, acutally,” Bumbalough said. “You just drive up under our canopy here at the health department… and we have staff outside with copiers out there ready. We give you your flu shot while you’re in your vehicle, we make copies of your insurance cards, and you’re on your way.”

The Putnam County Health Department is located at 701 County Services Drive in Cookeville. Bumbalough said walk-in vaccinations are provided Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.