Locals who haven’t received their yearly flu shot, and need to do it in a hurry can take part in a drive-thru flu clinic today.

The clinic will held at the Covington County Health Department from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., and is a collaborative effort between the health department, Covington County EMA, Red Cross, local medical providers and local law enforcement.

“In addition to providing a valuable health service, this clinic will serve as a real time exercise that demonstrates established emergency protocols for any future occurrence that would require mass public vaccination,” said Kim Taylor ADPH spokesperson.

The charge for the flu shots will be $5 each. Medicare, Medicaid, SEIB and PEEHIP recipients will receive the vaccine at no cost when they present their insurance card.

Additionally, no one will be denied services due to the inability to pay.

Flu season is just around the corner. Flu outbreaks generally occur from November to March in Alabama.

The symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue.

“For most people, the flu only lasts a few days, but for others it can lead to pneumonia and breathing problems,” Taylor said. “In children, it can cause high fever and seizures.”

In addition to getting a flu shot, the public is reminded to follow basic infection control measures.

These include covering the mouth when coughing and frequent hand washing.