COVINGTON, Ga. - On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Piedmont Newton Hospital hosted its first flu shot drive-thru event, where people in the community were able to drive in to one of the hospital’s back parking lots to receive a free flu shot, without ever leaving their car.

During the event, which is the first of its kind in the Newton County community, free flu shots were given to those who attended, and even though it was a drive-thru, attendees came in vehicles, on foot, and even in golf carts. “We were excited for the opportunity to provide these free flu shots to Newton County community members in need, and we are already making plans to do this again in the future,” said Eric Bour, MD, Piedmont Newton CEO.  

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.  

For more information about the benefits of flu shots, visit piedmont.org.