Free Flu Shot Clinics Expand U.S. and Abroad

Health systems, clinics and public-health departments across the U.S. and abroad are expanding access to seasonal flu vaccines this year through free, walk-in, drive‑through and appointment-based clinics. Examples include appointment-free October clinics at Olmsted Medical Center and Winona Health, drive‑throughs in Farmington, open clinics in Forsyth County, free Marion County clinics in Indianapolis, and walk-in services for veterans in Arkansas; some providers (such as SSM Health’s Greater Fond du Lac Regional Clinic) are running appointment-only clinics with age eligibility and physician-order rules. Children receiving their first flu vaccine (age 8 and under) may need two doses a month apart, and some older adults are advised to get high‑dose formulations. Singapore’s Ministry of Health says its retail‑pharmacy vaccination sandbox has administered about 1,200 doses and will continue for at least another year while regulators review safety and service delivery. Public-health leaders urge people to get vaccinated well before winter peaks to reduce hospitalizations and protect high‑risk groups, and to delay or seek clinical advice if currently unwell or after a serious allergic reaction to a prior vaccine.