Drive-thru the flu: Sanford Health offers mobile flu shots

It’s more important than ever to get your flu shot, and Sanford Health is making it easier than ever.

That’s according to Becky Roemen, a physician assistant who provides family care at Sanford Health in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Sanford is offering drive-thru flu shots in many locations. Roemen says patients won’t even have to get out of the car, and the entire process can take as little as five minutes.

Find a flu shot: Sanford Health flu shot locations and events

“You can stay right in your car, your kids can stay in the car, we’ll pull up a sleeve and administer that flu shot. You can drive right out afterwards. There’s no need to leave the car,” she said.

Providing safe care

Sanford Health has taken safety precautions to continue providing quality care throughout the pandemic. Roemen says the drive-thru setting is no different.

Roeman has always encouraged patients to receive a flu shot, and even more so this year. She says the drive-thru flu shots are popping up in Sanford communities all over, including many rural areas.

This highlights Sanford’s continued commitment to offering quality health care, no matter the setting, says Roemen.

“We want to do everything we can do to keep everyone as healthy as possible. I really think Sanford’s doing a good job of trying to make that as accessible as possible,” said Roemen.

Short sleeves, mask up

Roemen asks that patients wear short sleeves and masks during the flu shot.

“We want everyone in the car to be wearing a mask. We go with those CDC guidelines. Everyone needs to have a mask that covers both their nose and mouth.

“We want to keep our staff healthy that are leaning into the car to give you your vaccine, and we’re going to do the same for you. Staff will be wearing masks appropriately throughout the whole time that you’re going through the drive-thru.”

Learn more

• Achoo! Cold and flu season is almost here
• COVID-19 Q&A: Preparing for new school year, flu season
• For chronic illness patients, flu shots even more important

…

Posted In Bemidji, Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Flu, Immunizations, Luverne, Mountain Lake, Pierre, Rock Rapids, Rural Health, Sheldon, Worthington

Simon Floss

Simon Floss produces multimedia stories for Sanford Health News. A former Emmy nominated TV news anchor, reporter, producer, and photographer, he brings nearly a decade of experience to the team at Sanford Health News. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and their two animals Tobias (cat) and Winnie (dog). You'll also likely find him on a stage somewhere - he's a member of The Goodnight Theatre Collective, a Sioux Falls based professional theatre company, and also fronts a local rock cover band, Bangers and Mash. You can reach him at simon.floss@sanfordhealth.org.