JACKSON – There are drive-thrus for banks, fast-food restaurants and even convenience stores.

The Northampton County Health Department is taking the drive-thru craze one step further.

From 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, Northampton Health officials are hosting a drive-thru flu clinic.

According to Health Department spokesperson Sharon Long, Northampton County residents can drive up, stop to sign a consent form, move to a billing area and then receive a flu shot, all from the convenience of their vehicle.

“Not only is this an opportunity for the public to guard against the flu by receiving a flu vaccination, this also is practice for us in regards to incident command,” Long said. “By offering a mobile clinic, it gives us some training just in case we have to perform a mass vaccination due to some sort of pandemic outbreak.”

Open only to Northampton County residents, the cost of the flu shot is $25 per person. Cash, checks, Medicaid or Medicare (must present card prior to vaccination) will be accepted as payment. Those with Medicare Advantage coverage are not eligible. They are required to receive flu vaccinations from their private physician.

Those wishing to receive the vaccination at the Sunday clinic are urged to wear short sleeves for easy access. Injections will be given through a rolled-down window. The nurse will enter the vehicle if necessary.

The Center for Disease Control highly recommends the following priority groups receive a flu shot:

Children, ages 6-59 months;

Pregnant women;

Persons ages 50-and-over;

Those of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;

Healthcare workers, and;

Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk, including household contact and those who can transmit influenza to high-risk individuals.

Long said the Northampton County Health Department has 400 doses prepared for Sunday’s clinic.

The county health building is located on NC 305 north of Jackson.